Leeds United are interested in acquiring the services of Aston Villa starlet Louie Barry after the player was prematurely recalled from his time at Stockport County this month. The England Under-21 international impressed immensely during his time at Edgeley Park, having netted 16 goals in 24 matches.

Interest in the striker is growing with the winter transfer window closing in 10 days, on February 3, but Villa are expected to command an eyewatering fee to part ways with Barry permanently. Earlier this month, the Clarets reportedly rejected a £10 million bid from Scottish champions Celtic, and Football Insider understands it would take a 'huge' fee for the 21-year-old to leave for good before the window closes.

United boss Daniel Farke is keen to reinforce his ranks this month as Leeds continue to mount a title charge and regain a spot in the Premier League. The club has topped goal-scoring charts in the Championship this season, netting 53 times in 28 outings, but bringing in Barry could push Leeds over the final promotion line.

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Barry, who became the first English player to join Barcelona's heralded La Masia academy in 2019, has yet to feature for Unai Emery's Villa since returning from his loan spell. It is believed the club wishes to loan him out at a higher level than League One Stockport.

Leeds face a congested battle for Barry's services from fellow Championship sides Middleborough and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as the aforementioned Celtic, with Brendan Rogers still considering a second bid.

Football Insider reports that former Villa scout Mick Brown said: "Now they’re [Villa] looking at a higher level, with the likes of Leeds or Middlesbrough looking at him.

“I understand they now want to see how well he performs at that level, and then they’ll make the same judgement again about his quality. So, if they let him go on loan again now, they’ve got from now until the end of the season to assess him and decide whether he could come into their team."

Aston Villa plan to tie their talented attacker down to a new permanent contract before he is to leave Villa Park on any basis, so Daniel Farke may have to wait a little longer if he is to attempt to prise Barry away in any capacity.

“We have one plan with him and that is to extend his contract and continue his process as a player," Villa boss Unai Emery told the media. “How we are working with him now and last year is the right way for him.”