United keep tabs on Walsall's Rico Henry

Manchester United are understood to have joined the hunt for Walsall left-back Rico Henry.

The 18-year-old had been linked with a host of clubs including Arsenal, Spurs, Manchester City and Villa recently.

However, it's understood scouts from Louis Van Gaal's United watched Henry in action at Swindon Town on Tuesday night. United need cover at left-back after losing Luke Shaw to a broken leg.

Saddlers boss Dean Smith stated last week only a huge offer would tempt Saddlers to cash in on the youngster.

He told the Express & Star: "It's going to take a hell of a lot of money to take Rico away from this football club.

"Every player has a price don't they? We all know that. But it would take a very big offer and I'm not sure he'd want to go, at the moment, as well."

Meanwhile, the Saddlers boss believes his attack-minded side need more protection from officials.

The Saddlers have been on the wrong end of a series of refereeing decisions in their last two outings, against Sheffield United and Swindon.

Nigel Adkins' Blades grabbed their equaliser in Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Banks's when, in the build-up, Romaine Sawyers was incorrectly deemed to have fouled Paul Coutts.

And Smith's side also had a Jordan Cook goal wrongly ruled out for offside at Swindon, while also having to deal with a number of robust challenges.

Smith said: "Against Swindon, the lads were kicked off the park, at times. A lot of challenges went unpunished and they only had four yellow cards all game.

"They were trying to stop us at all costs. When teams play that way, it's down to the officials to protect you.

"That is their job. That is what they are paid for. They are paid to make good decisions and they didn't do their jobs very well."