Leeds United appear to have been dealt a slight blow to their hopes of signing Louie Barry in the January transfer window. The 21-year-old striker played his final game for Stockport County at the weekend before returning to Aston Villa – and he's already being heavily linked with another move.

Barry featured 23 times in League One this season, scoring 15 goals and providing three assists. Playing a key role in Dave Challinor's side, he fired the Hatters to seventh in the table and within a point of a promotion play-off place.

The former England Under-18 international marked his final appearance for Stockport County with a goal in 1-1 draw with Rotherham United on Sunday afternoon. Aston Villa announced Barry's return to Bodymoor Heath with an official statement, stating he's set for a 'period of assessment with the first-team squad'.

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Unsurprisingly, Barry has reportedly courted interest from numerous clubs across the country. According to The Telegraph, the Premier League outfit intend to sell the striker to a club in the Championship.

And, Sunderland seem to have been given a huge boost to their hopes of securing his signature. Barry penned an emotional letter to the Stockport County fans, players and manager on social media, claiming he 'loved every second'.

"Emotional day for me yesterday saying my goodbyes to everyone," wrote the Aston Villa youngster. "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.

"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."

The statement eclipsed 10,000 likes in just a few hours, while hundreds flooded the comment section. One message from a user on Instagram, who goes by @mike_in_stockport, wrote: "Brilliant Louie, now hopefully you'll sign for Sunderland and do the same up there."

Interestingly, Barry 'liked' the comment, which suggests that he could favour a move to Sunderland. Last month, Régis Le Bris confirmed that he's hopeful of bolstering his squad in the January transfer window.

When asked if he'll be exploring the Premier League loan market, he replied: "Yes, absolutely. It's a good market and good targets. But it's the same idea, we need good quality and good connection with the team so it's not easy to find. Recruitment is very hard. It's a hard part of the project."