Yoann Barbet would be an obvious signing for Dean Smith’s Aston Villa

Ever since Dean Smith moved from Brentford to Aston Villa, the Villans have been linked with a large host of Brentford players. Rico Henry, Chris Mepham and Romaine Sawyers were tipped to follow their former manager in the January transfer window. Neal Maupay will no doubt be rumoured to make a summer move to the Villa when the season ends for AVFC. Sawyers and Henry will likely be thrown into the gossip columns again as well.

The latest rumours about a Brentford reunion at Bodymoor Heath are currently circling a potential move for out-of-contract defender Yoann Barbet. Barbet, much like his former team-mates, has been linked to the Villa ever since Dean Smith was hired. Much like his counterparts above, he’s an obvious move. He’s a ‘Dean Smith man’ and what’s more, he’d arrive on a free-transfer having just been released by The Bees. It’s a no-brainer in terms of the connection. Whether it’d happen would very much depend on the league Aston Villa end up in next season. Honestly? It’d be more likely to happen if Villa remained in the Championship - as a move for Tyrone Mings will no doubt be on the cards should Villa win-out in their play-off campaign. In either league, Barbet would represent a good signing at left-back or as a central-defender in a back-three.

In related news, former Villa target Moses Odubajo has also been released by the Londoners and would have been a go-to target for Dean Smith had a deal for right-back Freddie Guilbert not already been agreed. Josh McEachran - better known as the ‘best footballer I’ve ever seen’ according to Smith will be linked as well, and will probably happen if Villa stay put. Gary Cahill is another rumour, but we’ll talk less about that - it’s been in the news for the entire season.

At any rate, Villa will have planned out their transfer window this summer - but the type of plan actioned will have to wait until May 27th. If Villa get that far.