Derby County handed transfer snub as top prospect told Pride Park not the place for him
Derby County have been told that Pride Park is not the place for Aston Villa hotshot Louie Barry - with Leeds United tipped as the youngster’s likely destination.
The 21-year-old helped fire Stockport County into League One last season, and has carried on the good work on loan this term, banging home 16 goals and three assists in 24 games before being recalled by Villa, who want to test him at a higher level.
The Rams were tipped as a likely destination for the former Barcelona prospect at the weekend, the guarantee of regular football said to be key in Paul Warne and Co heading off interest from a host of rival Championship clubs to get their man.
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But now a Sky Sports pundit has rubbished those claims, insisting that the way the Rams play under Warne is not conducive to Barry’s development.
Former West Brom, Wolves and Sunderland forward Don Goodman told Plejmo.com: “Louie Barry needs to join a team that play a possession-based game and a similar style to Stockport County.
“With all respect to Derby County at this current time, they wouldn't tick that box. That’s not intended to be offensive, but if he can get games at Middlesbrough or Leeds, he would be an asset to both of those teams.”
While backing Leeds to get the best out of Barry, a product of the West Brom academy from Sutton Coldfield, Goodman acknowledged that Villa would want to see their man getting plenty of game time at whatever club he joins this month.
He added: “It's an area which Leeds United could benefit from strengthening as you wonder about the depth they've got in that number 10 hybrid role.
“But ultimately, Aston Villa need to send him somewhere to play week-in-week out and a promotion charge would be a test I’m sure he would relish and thrive in.”
Speaking last week, Villa boss Unai Emery claimed he had yet to make a definitive decision on Barry’s future. He said: "He is really performing very well - last year, this year. He did pre-season (with Villa) and we want to introduce him again with us here and to take another decision with him. But he has potential.”
