Aston Villa manager Dean Smith will be counting down the days until the January transfer window opens, when he will have the chance to stamp his own mark on the Villa squad and bring in some fresh faces.

Smith looks like returning to his old club Brentford as he attempts to sign 21-year-old full-back Rico Henry, according to The Express & Star.

There is of course history between the two, as Henry worked under Smith at Walsall as well as the Bees.

So would Henry be a good signing for Villa?

We discuss.....

Jay Taylor

I can see sense in this signing.

Other than Neil Taylor they don't have another out-and-out left-back with Alan Hutton having to cover when the Welshman is out.

Adding Rico Henry will give Taylor competition for his place, as well as cover.

And that can only be a good thing for Aston Villa going forward.

George Harbey

What a signing this would be.

He’s been out of action with injury for a lengthy spell but a fresh Rico Henry is one of the best in the league.

Smith knows him well and will know how to get the best out of him.

Gary Hutchinson

It’s a good shout by Dean Smith, not altogether surprising given his connections.

It does show the manager understands his needs though, they’ve got to get some pace in the wide defensive areas.

Next up is the experience and maybe a little bit of pace in the middle to.

It’s a rumour Villa fans will take as positive news.