Leeds United and Sheffield United are all set for a titanic struggle for the Championship title and with it promotion to the Premier League this season. The sides are currently separated by three points, but with Leeds boasting a better goal difference and ready to pounce if the Blades slip up over the Christmas period.
The two clubs have already had a tense transfer tussle over Jayden Bogle after he left Sheffield for Leeds, much to the annoyance of Blades boss Chris Wilder and the club, who felt they had no option but to let him go as his contract run down.
Now, the two clubs could be set to fight for the same player once again with Aston Villa's Louie Barry a wanted man in the January transfer window. Currently shining for Stockport County, Villa have confirmed they will recall the player from his League One loan deal at the start of January, with all expectation being the Premier League club will seek a Championship side to continue his development for the rest of the season after impressing so far.
Barry has had two spells with Stockport and has scored 24 goals in 43 appearances, with 15 of those goals already plundered this season. It's the sort of return that has seen Leeds and the Blades keep a very close eye and sow an interest in a potential loan deal.
A Stockport statement has confirmed Barry will “return to Villa Park for a period of assessment with Unai Emery’s first-team squad.” It is expected the forward will soon head back out, with a host of Championship clubs no doubt lining up for his services.