Ryan Woods played for Dean Smith at Brentford, as he could now replace Kalvin Phillips at Leeds United if he were to leave for Aston Villa this summer.
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith spoke highly about Leeds United target Ryan Woods last December, as the midfielder could potentially replace Kalvin Phillips if he leaves this summer.
The Sun on Sunday (7/7; page 61) have reported that Leeds could make a move for the Stoke City man if Phillips makes the switch to Villa.
Smith previously stated that when his Brentford team used to play Villa in the Midlands, their fans would ‘wax-lyrical’ about Woods’ performances in the middle of the park.
He also shared a little insight, which is useful to Leeds supporters now, about the qualities the technically gifted footballer possess.
“I sold him for £6m and he is a great kid,” said Smith, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail. “He has improved as a footballer
“I know whenever I brought Brentford to Villa, supporters were waxing lyrical over him. He makes a game tick, he can switch play and keep the ball moving.”
Smith was never beaten by Villa when he was Brentford boss, as Woods’ ability to run the game from the middle of the park played a big part in that.
Nonetheless, a potentially strange transfer cycle could now occur in these coming weeks because the player Smith sold to Stoke last summer could now replace the player he wants to sign for his new club at Villa.
It is the strange world of football that allows such a situation to potentially occur, but given the craziness of the transfer market, it wouldn’t be a surprise if it were to happen.
Both Phillips and Woods are high-quality performers on their day, and in actual fact, they could work wonders in midfield together.
But that is unlikely to happen as Smith plans for life in the Premier League, and Marcelo Bielsa ensures he has the strongest possible squad available to push for promotion next season.
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