In-demand Aston Villa forward Louie Barry would be better off joining Sunderland over Leeds United to accelerate his development in the January transfer window.

That is the verdict of former United midfielder Carlton Palmer as the Premier League club continue to assess his level before deciding what is best for the talented forward and his future.

Villa recently recalled Barry from his loan spell at Stockport County. He was a revelation at Edgeley Park, hitting 15 goals in 23 League One outings. The 21-year-old also helped County lift the League Two title last term.

READ MORE: Daniel Farke can do Illan Meslier a massive favour after Leeds United mistakes

READ MORE: Ray Parlour left baffled by what West Ham have done with ex-Leeds United man Crysencio Summerville

His outstanding form in the third tier of English football has not gone unnoticed. A number of Championship clubs, including the Whites, Sheffield United, Middlesbrough and Sunderland, are believed to be interested in adding Barry to their ranks this month.

Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said: “I would think for Barry, he wants to go somewhere where he’s going to play. In the Championship, you’re looking at Leeds, Sunderland and Boro and they’re all at the top end of the league.

“Leeds are top of the tree, Sunderland you know what they do, they sign good young players and move them on for big money.

“If I were Louie Barry, I would be looking at where I can get first-team football, where I fancy my chances to play regularly at a club that will give young players a chance, and that’s Sunderland at this moment in time.”

When asked if Barry would leave on loan rather than permanently, Villa boss Unai Emery said: "This is the next step for us in the next weeks. But he came back here with us, and he has a small injury.

"We are going to decide again with him, but his potential is exploiting and really being fantastic for him, for the club, as our player. And then we are going to decide."