The Seagulls want to sign a new left-back and have identified Brentford star Henry as a potential transfer target, according to the report in the British tabloid.
However, Brighton are facing competition for the 23-year-old from Leeds – who will play in the Premier League next season after winning automatic promotion from the Championship – and Villa, according to the report.
Highly rated
Henry has been on the books of Brentford since 2016 and has established himself as one of the better left-backs in the Championship.
The former England Under-20 international played an important role in the Bees reaching the Championship playoff final last season.
According to WhoScored, the 23-year-old provided three assists in 49 league games for Brentford in 2019-20.
Villa manager Dean Smith worked with Henry at Walsall, and he spoke highly of the 23-year-old back in 2015 when the left-back was in his teens.
Smith told BBC Sport in October 2015 when they were at Walsall: “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.
“I’ve recommended him a couple of times to the England Under-19s because, if there’s a better left-sided player in the country at 18 years of age, I’d like to see them.
“That’s probably me being a little bit biased because I know the kid and what he has to offer. He’s got a great desire and a will to win. His attitude and application to everything he does is spot on.”
Leaving Brentford
With Premier League trio Brighton, Leeds and Villa interested in Henry, it is hard to see Brentford keep hold of the young left-back for much longer.
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