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Leeds and West Ham reportedly want left-footer Dean Smith compared to Ashley Cole
Leeds United and West Ham are reportedly battling it out to sign Brentford left-back Rico Henry after the Bees failed to gain promotion to the Premier League – and Dean Smith has previously likened him to an England legend.
Henry, 23, played every single one of Brentford’s 49 Championship matches – play-offs included – this season as Brentford came within an inch of promotion. Eventually, Fulham earned a 2-1 extra-time win at Wembley.
The speedster proved to be a crucial part of an exciting Brentford side and although he has only managed three assists all season, it must be remembered that Thomas Frank’s side are not the kind of team to cross the ball.
Leeds and West Ham want Henry, who was signed by now-Aston Villa boss Dean Smith for Brentford from Walsall – after Smith managed him at Walsall. Previously, Smith compared him to Ashley Cole.
Back in 2015, : “If I were to liken him to anyone it would be a young Ashley Cole. And it’s up to him how far he can now go in the game. His attitude and application to everything he does is spot on.”
TBR’s view – Do Leeds and West Ham need Henry?
Henry is an excellent left-back and bringing him to Elland Road is likely to see him become the club’s first-choice left-back. Similarly, at West Ham, he would certainly have a chance of starting above Aaron Cresswell.
But in a market where funds are limited, neither side should be prioritising a left-back. West Ham have Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku, while Leeds have Stuart Dallas, Barry Douglas and Gjanni Alioski.
A good signing, but not a priority.
