Aston Villa make Louie Barry decision ahead of January amid new contract update
Aston Villa are planning to recall Louie Barry from his season-long loan at Stockport Country in January, according to BirminghamWorld.
The website reported [29 November] that the Villans have been impressed by the 21-year-old’s time at Edgeley Park and believe he would be suited to a Championship move, with Middlesbrough interested.
With 13 goals in his first 17 league appearances for Stockport, it is understood that the club will offer Barry a brand-new contract extension despite signing his last deal in August.
There are no plans for the striker to gain first-team experience at Villa Park but they are extremely pleased with his development so far, with it being hoped he can make a breakthrough soon.
Aston Villa to recall Louie Barry from Stockport County?
Given he has already scored 13 goals in League One this season and leads the top scorer list in the division, it is not a total surprise to see him being linked with an early return.
However, it is a risky decision to make as he continues to impress and help push Stockport into the play-off spots, sitting fourth behind Wycombe Wanderers, Wrexham and Birmingham City.
If Barry were to struggle in the Championship, it could come as a huge blow to his confidence while remaining in League One for the rest of the season is likely to be far more positive.
Middlesbrough have already been credited with interest in the 21-year-old, a club who have free-scoring Emmanuel Latte Lath and could leave Barry with a spot on the bench instead of playing regular minutes.
The hierarchy at Villa Park will obviously know what they are doing, and will probably believe that a move elsewhere will be a positive in the long run, but some fans might be sceptical about the idea.
It is certainly a transfer for Villa supporters to keep an eye on, and with the player set to be offered a new contract already, that can only be good news for the club and the striker.
In other Aston Villa, Unai Emery’s side are interested in signing Joshua Zirkzee as a new Manchester United exit update emerges.
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