Sheffield Wednesday are alongside Middlesbrough in eyeing winger Louie Barry as Aston Villa plan to recall Louie Barry from Stockport County, as per The Star.
Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough will both be looking to add some new recruits to their ranks when the January transfer window comes around.
The Owls will be out to solidify their place in the Championship’s mid-table pack while potentially looking at squeaking into the wide-open play-off picture. As for Boro, they’re firmly in top six contention but won’t be resting on their laurels this winter.
sheffield wednesday, Sheffield Wednesday ready to battle Middlesbrough for Aston Villa raid
Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.
The loan market has been fruitful for both this season and in years gone by, so it seems inevitable that the Championship pair utilise that recruitment method once again when January is here.
Now, as per reports, both clubs are targeting League One loan star Louie Barry.
A report from Birmingham World first revealed on Friday that Middlesbrough are keen on the winger as Aston Villa plan to recall him from Stockport County and send him to the Championship. They’re not alone in eyeing the 21-year-old though, with sister title The Star stating Sheffield Wednesday are also among a ‘boatload’ of second-tier sides eyeing Barry.
Parent club Villa’s decision is not final but they are planning on getting experience into the wide star at a higher level it seems.
Starring in League One
It’s no surprise Barry is attracting attention from higher leagues given how he has performed in League One this season.
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With newly-promoted Stockport County, the rumoured Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough target has managed a fantastic 14 goals and one assist in 18 games for Dave Challinor’s side. He’s been key in their strong campaign to date, mainly playing on the left but also being used as a striker or attacking midfielder.
sheffield wednesday, Sheffield Wednesday ready to battle Middlesbrough for Aston Villa raid
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Barry has had a number of other loans but it’s really come together for him at Edgeley Park. He spent time with them last season too and now has 23 goals and five assists in 40 games for the club.
It now seems a Championship rise awaits, but time will tell just where he ends up.
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The right time?
Barry had a big rise to prominence when he moved from West Brom to Barcelona as a teenager but when that move didn’t pan out as hoped, he came back to England with Aston Villa.
He endured a host of loans at a young age and struggled to catch the eye with MK Dons, Salford City and Ipswich Town. Barry’s Swindon Town stay was stronger (19 games, six goals, one assist), but it’s with Stockport where he’s really kicked on.
However, having been rushed onto the big stage and senior game a bit, Barry looks ready for another step up.
That may come in the Championship with one of Sheffield Wednesday or Middlesbrough.
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