Aston Villa are looking to bolster their defensive options in the January transfer window as Brentford’s Rico Henry has been touted to move to Villa Park.
The Express and Star claim that Dean Smith could raid his former club for highly-rated left-back Rico Henry, who recently returned from a long-term injury.
Despite the excitement of signing a player who would add pace and flair on Villa’s left flank, the club are better off targeting Bournemouth’s Tyrone Mings.
The 25-year-old has only played 97 minutes of Premier League football for Eddie Howe’s side this season and would add much-needed versatility to Villa’s back-line.
Smith only has two bonafide centre-backs at the club in Axel Tuanzebe and James Chester. The addition of Mings would not only add depth and quality at left-back but at the heart of the club’s defence.
Earlier this month, Mings was deployed as a centre-back for the Cherries during their 3-1 defeat at Premier League champions Manchester City.
Despite the defeat at the Etihad Stadium, Mings showcased his power, aerial threat and ability to bring the ball out from the back. All traits Smith is currently trying to install into his players at Villa Park.
The Premier League ace also has experience in the second tier of English football having made 63 appearances for Ipswich prior to his move to the south coast.
Not only that, Mings has been a regular part of a Bournemouth team that has constantly played possession-based football under their highly-rated manager, so fitting into Smith’s style wouldn’t be alien to him.
