Aston Villa starlet Louie Barry has dropped a surprising hint at his next destination as the club prepare to send him out on a second loan move after an outstanding first half of the season.

Barry spent the first period of the campaign on loan at League One side Stockport County, joining in the summer for a second loan stint at the club after helping them to promotion form League Two last term. The 21-year-old bagged 15 goals and three assists in 21 appearances in the third tier, emerging as the division's top scorer before being recalled by parent club Villa ahead of the January transfer window.

Barry took to Instagram on Thursday to thank the Hatters' fans and club staff in an emotional post.

He said: "Emotional day for me yesterday saying my goodbyes to everyone.

"Absolutely gutted I wasn't able to play in the game and thank you all for the way you have treated me ever since my first day at Edgeley Park.

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"I've loved every second playing for County and going into training with an amazing group of lads. I will always hold Stockport County close to my heart. Thank you to the gaffa, the staff, all the players and most importantly the fans.

"I know I was only here on loan but you made me feel like I was one of your own which was a special feeling. Hopefully this isn't the last time we cross paths, but I will be a fan for life now. Thank you again."

It has been widely reported that the Villans are planning on sending him back out on loan, this time to a Championship club, in an attempt to further his development and increase the level he is playing at. Several clubs have been linked with the English forward's temporary services with Leeds United, Sunderland and Derby County amongst those interested.

On his Instagram post, one user with the handle @mike_in_stockport commented: "Brilliant Louie, now hopefully you'll sign for Sunderland and do the same up there."

In response, Barry 'liked' the comment, potentially dropping a hint as to where his next destination will be.

The Black Cats are one of the teams competing high up the Championship table, currently sitting in fourth place under manager Régis Le Bris and well within the race for automatic promotion. They have a young crop of players with the likes of Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Jude, Chris Rigg and Eliezer Mayenda becoming mainstays in red and white.

A move to the Stadium of Light for Barry could aid his development as he would be joining one of the more dominant sides in the league whilst competing against players of a similar age and ability for a place in the team.

Leeds and Derby fans will see the former England under-18 international's 'liking' of the Sunderland comment as a blow in their pursuit of the forward, however it is still unconfirmed as to where Villa will choose to send their young prospect.

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