Aston Villa make Louie Barry contract decision after Celtic approach
Aston Villa are set to offer Louie Barry a new contract to fend off interest from Celtic, according to Sky Sports.
The 21-year-old was recalled from his loan at Stockport County earlier this month and the Daily Mail reported on 14 January that the Hoops made an approach for his services.
The Sky Sports report from 22 January claims that the Bhoys could make a multi-million-pound offer for the attacker who has scored 16 goals in all competitions this season.
It states that Unai Emery’s side are considering a deal to tie up their young star due to interest from the Scottish outfit, Middlesbrough, Derby County, French club Lens, and Argentine giants River Plate.
Could Aston Villa offer Barry first-team chance?
Villa rate the England Under-18 international highly and could give him a first-team berth to keep him at the club.
Former club scout Bryan King exclusively told Villa News (17 January) that Emery could hand the former Barcelona ace a chance to feature for the senior side.
He is unlikely to be given a start over Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran but he could feature from the bench in the closing minutes of Premier League or Champions League games.
A loan deal in a higher division than League One is the other option so that he can continue his development and get regular game time in a more competitive environment.
However, a permanent sale should be avoided as the Villans have not had a chance to assess Barry properly yet as he has not been given a run in the first team.
Sorting a new contract then letting him leave on loan is probably the best move for the Villans right now.
In other Aston Villa news, the club are furious after the latest approach for Colombian striker Jhon Duran.
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