Sheffield United, Coventry City, QPR and Stoke City have been named as Louie Barry’s latest admirers in a report from TEAMtalk.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is sure to be among the Championship managers looking to bolster his ranks when the January transfer window comes around.
The Blades may sit in a great position in the Championship promotion fit but there are clear areas they can strengthen and bolster for the second half of the campaign.
sheffield united, Sheffield United, Coventry City, QPR among new admirers of League One standout
Image courtesy of: SCOTT HEPPELL/REUTERS.
And, with many looking to add to their attacking ranks, it’s no wonder Aston Villa starlet Louie Barry’s form with loan club Stockport County has caught the eye. The 21-year-old has 15 goals in 20 games across all competitions, operating as a left-winger, attacking midfielder and striker.
Reports have said Middlesbrough are frontrunners to sign Barry while Sheffield Wednesday are also keen, but there are further admirers of the prospect.
A fresh report from TEAMtalk states that Sheffield United, Coventry City, QPR and Stoke City are all interested in Barry heading into the January window as well.
They echo claims that the interest from Boro is the most concrete with talks already held, but Villa aren’t short of options as they look to hand their top youngster a test at a higher level.
A step up awaits
Barry impressed with Stockport County in League Two last season but saw his stint impacted by injury. Since returning at a higher level, he has shown he is of a calibre far above League One.
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It’s no surprise there’s strong Championship interest in his services. Top clubs like Sheffield United and Middlesbrough are sure to be tempting given their promotion ambitions.
middlesbrough boss Michael carrick
Image courtesy of: PAUL CHILDS/REUTERS.
However, the likes of Coventry City, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City and QPR would present a step up for Barry too, even if they’re not fighting it out at the top end of the table at this stage.
A promotion-chasing side may be Barry and Villa’s preference though, giving him the chance to really show what he can do with another team that tends to be on the winning side more often than not.
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An ideal solution for the Blades?
Looking at it from a Sheffield United angle, it’s not a surprise Barry is on the radar.
Wilder is set to be without midfielder Ollie Arblaster for the long-term and depth in the middle is there, but arguably their best midfield player is Gustavo Hamer. He’s been playing out on the left this season due to a lack of options on the wings.
Hamer has played well there, but a move for a left-winger like Barry could open the door for Hamer to return to the middle alongside Souza.
It could be the ideal and most effective solution for Wilder and co in Arblaster’s absence.
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