Aston Villa must swoop for Brentford left-back Rico Henry this summer amid a major transfer update.

What's the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months have suggested that the 23-year-old is on the radar for Villa as they look to strengthen their defensive options, and now The Athletic's Gregg Evans has delivered an update on the club's pursuit of the Brentford man.

The journalist revealed that "there was always going to be closer attention paid to the full-back department ahead of 2021-22 when Villa are expected to recruit again. Both Elmohamady and Neil Taylor are out of contract so younger alternatives will be sourced."

Evans would add that Henry "remains an option" for Villa this summer.

Dean Smith loves him

Having worked with him at Brentford, Henry is a familiar name for Dean Smith, and the Villa boss has gone on record multiple times to rave about the left-back.

Speaking after he first brought him to Brentford, he said: "Rico is a player I worked with at Walsall and threw him into the first team at 16 in pre-season friendlies and he more than held his own in those games, he had no fear, and was playing in League One shortly afterwards. He’s a talented player, fearless, and likes to bring the ball to opponents."

And then, after describing him as "something special", Smith even likened him to Chelsea and England stalwart Ashley Cole - high praise for an up-and-coming, young English left-back.

The fact Smith has previously worked with Henry makes him a potential dream signing for Villa, and someone who could potentially hit the ground running like Ollie Watkins has done.

There would be no real adaptation period for the full-back to understand Smith's methods or know his style of play, and it's exactly why Johan Lange would be making a smart move by targeting the Brentford man.

With Taylor out of contract, Matt Targett would be Villa's only senior left-back option at the club if he leaves. Bringing in Henry would just add some much-needed cover and competition too, and that's healthy for all sides.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing a move for this £17m-rated machine...