By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

26th Sep, 2023 | 6:45am

Sources: Brentford turn attention to signing defender after critical development

Brentford are scouring the market for a potential stand-in for injured left-back Rico Henry, sources have told Football Insider.

Henry could miss the rest of the 2023-24 campaign after suffering a serious knee ligament injury earlier this month.

Brentford have contingency plans in place despite not having another natural left-sided defender in the ranks.

Aaron Hickey can fill in on the left side of Thomas Frank’s defence and did so as Everton defeated the Bees 3-1 on Saturday (23 September).

Brentford are now drawing up a shortlist of potential January targets and will move in the mid-season window if the right player becomes available at the right price.

The London club have scouts and analysts worldwide and have built a reputation as one of the smartest clubs in the transfer window.

Henry had played every Premier League minute so far in the 2023-24 campaign prior to his injury.

The full-back was attracting interest from English giants Man United – who tried to sign him late in the summer transfer window.

Prior to his injury (13 September), Football Insider revealed that Erik ten Hag’s side weren’t able to afford a permanent move for the defender – but were planning to revisit the situation next year.

Meanwhile, Brentford star Hickey is also the subject of reported interest from elite trio Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal.

The Bees, who will have Ivan Toney returning to action in January after a suspension, have picked up just six points from a possible 18 so far in the new season.

Thomas Frank’s side face Arsenal in the League Cup on Wednesday (27 September) before travelling to Nottingham Forest (1 October).

In other news, Liverpool to race Brentford for club-record deal in January.