Derby County transfer target Louie Barry looks set to be the subject of a seven-figure bid from Celtic as the Scottish giants were told the winger is "ready" for a move.

Brendan Rodgers' side are expected to test Aston Villa's resolve with an opening offer for the exciting talent who has a host of Championship sides chasing his signature.

Derby are among them, but there is fierce competition for the 21-year-old whose future is under the spotlight after being recalled by Villa from his loan at Stockport County.

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Villa have reportedly offered Barry a new contract but he is yet to put pen to paper with clubs now beginning to circle after he scored 16 goals for County.

And former Celtic defender Michael Gray believes he is the perfect fit for Rodgers who is eager to add a left winger this month.

Asked by Betfred if he felt Barry was ready for the "step up" to Celtic, Gray said: "I do, yes. He was brilliant for Stockport on loan, banging in goals left, right and centre.

"I know he’s gone back to his parent club, but that speculation isn’t going to go away. It might be Celtic, but there’s a lot of Championship sides probably looking at him and think he could be the difference in elevating their playoff chances.”

Derby are eager to add to their forward line as they look to stay clear of trouble at the foot of the Championship and earlier this week they signed Lars-Jorgen Salvesen from Viking FK for an undisclosed sum in what was their first deal in January.

A winger and a creative midfielder are on their agenda but players will also leave the club with one expected to seal their exit in the next 24 hours.

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