Leeds United, who are pushing for promotion in the Championship, have reportedly thrown their hat into the ring to secure a loan deal for Aston Villa's young forward Louie Barry. The 21-year -old is expected to be recalled by his parent club in January after an impressive stint at newly-promoted Stockport County in League One.
Barry has been on fire this season, netting 14 goals and providing one assist in 19 league appearances, helping Stockport to fifth place in their first season back in the third tier of English football. After a successful spell with the Hatters in League Two last season, Barry returned on loan this summer and has been a standout performer.
His dazzling form has not gone unnoticed, with Aston Villa and several Championship clubs reportedly keen to secure his services. Villa are thought to be planning to recall Barry and loan him out to a higher division for the second half of the season.
Derby County have already been linked with the young forward, and now, according to TeamTalk, Leeds have joined the race for his signature. There are pros and cons to each potential move for Barry.
A switch to Leeds, currently second in the Championship, would offer him the chance to showcase his talents with more ball possession and in-game opportunities. However, the competition for places could be fierce, and Villa may prefer to loan him to a club where he is guaranteed more playing time to aid his development, reports Birmingham Live.
The Rams could be a viable option as they strive to maintain their Championship status after being promoted last season. The need to strengthen their forward line would provide Barry with ample opportunity to make his mark on the team in the latter half of the season, although it would be a tougher challenge given Derby's current form of just one victory in 11 matches.
In addition to these two clubs, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday have also been recently linked, offering more choices at both ends of the Championship. Fortunately for Villa, if they decide to recall him, they won't be lacking in interested parties for the former Barcelona youth player.
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