With time ticking away in the January transfer window, Leeds United nor any of their rivals are closer to winning the loan race for Aston Villa's Louie Barry.

The 21-year-old attacker was prematurely recalled from his time at Stockport County this month, having netted 16 goals in 24 matches. Leeds and a number of their Championship competitors began to circle as the possibility of a new deal came to the fore.

But now 12 days out from the close of the January window, Barry remains at Villa without a clear hint pointing towards where he will see out the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign. Those at Elland Road will be hoping it is they that come out on top to further boost their bid for promotion to the Premier League.

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With that said, Leeds Live provides a round-up of the latest news on Barry's immediate future.

Barry latest

Barry returned to the West Midlands from his Stockport loan earlier in January. He hasn't had chance to play for Unai Emery's first-team since, though our colleagues at Birmingham Live spotted him in the background of the group in open first-team training prior to Tuesday's Champions League clash with AS Monaco.

That was the extent of his involvement, however, as the ace didn't travel with the team to the principality.

Aston Villa contract

Last week a twist in the tale emerged. Before Barry is loaned to a new club for the remainder of the season, Aston Villa reportedly wish to tie their talented attacker down to a new permanent contract.

The 21-year-old moved to Villa Park from Barcelona in January 2020 on a three-year contract. He signed improved terms in 2023 then did so again last August before his first loan of the current season to Stockport.

Even so, Villa are said to be keen to strike another agreement and with good reason...

Celtic competition

...And that reason is thought to be interest from Scottish champions Celtic.

Brendan Rodgers and Co are rumoured to be challenging Leeds and other Championship clubs for the player in question's signature, though have the advantage of being able to offer a permanent contract along with regular first-team football.

The Daily Record state that a seven-figure bid is being lined up.

In theory, Villa tying their player down to new, improved terms yet again would shut down this Celtic idea and boost others' loan ambitions. This is what the Premier League side would prefer.