Leeds United given Louie Barry transfer answer ahead of Aston Villa exit
Aston Villa ace Louie Barry is expected to choose a move to Sunderland over Leeds United, according to TEAMtalk.
The news outlet reported on Saturday (4 January) that while the Whites remain interested in the forward, he is believed to favour a move to Championship rivals Sunderland.
Leeds were mooted to be one of the front runners for Barry, as per Graeme Bailey (17 December), but the fierce competition for a starting berth at Elland Road has seen them fall behind in the race for his services.
Leeds United can still convince Louie Barry in January
After his exploits with Stockport County, the 21-year-old has emerged as one of the hottest commodities in the winter transfer window.
Aston Villa recalled Barry from his spell with the League One outfit to capitalise on the emerging interest in his services [Sunday Mirror] – he is primed for a bright future in the West Midlands.
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson waxed lyrical about the striker after scoring the game’s only goal in a 1-0 win at Edgeley Park on 16 November, dubbing Barry “top class” [Tribal Football, 18 November].
While his stance is understandable, returning to Aston Villa after scoring 16 goals in 24 outings for Stockport to waste away on the bench at Elland Road is not feasible.
Farke is desperate for a regular goalscorer, with Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe combining for an underwhelming 11 goals in 31 appearances, with the latter facing an uncertain future for the Whites.
There is, of course, a risk in pursuing Barry – the jump from the third to the second tier is not to be underestimated, and there is every possibility he cannot replicate his Stockport form in West Yorkshire.
However, he stands no chance of challenging for a first term berth at his parent club with Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins in the way – should he become a success for Leeds and fire them to the Premier League – a permanent move could be on the cards.
It is worth the risk.
In other Leeds news, a major Whites exits is on the cards amid Daniel Farke’s urgent transfer plans.
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