Aston Villa have agreed striker transfer with title-challengers - Bryan King

This article includes exclusive comment from former Aston Villa scout Bryan King.

Aston Villa's summer transfer window has been dominated by potential deals involving strikers so far.

Unai Emery is keen to add quality to his squad as they bid to fight their way back into the top four this term, and attacking additions are seemingly an area of major priority for the second city outfit.

Nicolas Jackson is the latest man to be linked with a switch to Villa, while the likes of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho had also been tipped to join earlier in the summer.

New arrivals seem inevitable before the Premier League season gets underway, but that will also likely mean that the squad will need to be trimmed in order to facilitate those arrivals.

Louie Barry has agreed to join Sheffield United on loan

One man who has been linked with a move away from Villa all summer is Louie Barry.

The youngster had agreed a deal to leave the Villans permanently to join Hull City, only for that move to fall through as the Tigers were placed under a transfer embargo.

However, the 22-year-old's exit has materialised this time around, after it was announced that he has joined Sheffield United on loan until the end of the season on Tuesday (22 July).

Ex-Villa scout Bryan King - speaking exclusively to Villa News - believes that it is a fantastic move for Barry, as he has secured a move to a side who he expects will be challenging for the title in the Championship.

“We’ve seen it before with one of the top Championship clubs showing an interest in Barry," King said.

“I think it is a good move for him. They’re a good club, Sheffield United, and a well-supported one at that. 

“He’ll obviously be playing regularly for them, and they’ll be challenging at the top again under their new manager. 

“It’s certainly a decent shop window to be in.”

Sheffield United should help Barry to make the next step

Barry's rapid progress ultimately stalled a little last season, as he struggled with injuries throughout his loan stint in the Championship with Hull.

He is yet to really tackle the second tier, but he now has a fantastic opportunity to do so with his new loan club.

The Blades will likely be a side who are winning the majority of their games, which should provide the starlet with a positive environment that will allow him to go out and showcase his ability.

Villa have had extremely high hopes for him over the last few years, and if his latest move can provide a spark in his game, it could set Barry back on track to break through into the Premier League squad at his parent club within the next few years.

At the very least, it's an excellent opportunity for him to advertise himself to any potential suitors, should Villa decide they don't want him at the end of the season.

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