The list of Louie Barry's suitors continues to grow this January as Leeds United face a huge battle with Championship rivals for the Aston Villa prodigy.

Barry, 21, enjoyed a loan period with League One Stockport County for the first half of the 2024/25 campaign, scoring 15 goals while grabbing two assists in 23 appearances. Parent club Villa made the decision to recall him with the intention of finding a new custodian in the tier above for the purposes of fast-tracking his development.

To that end, Leeds have been named among the numerous clubs with eyes on the situation. Daniel Farke hopes to add the talented winger and boost the club's promotion hopes ahead of Sheffield United, Derby County and Hull City.

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However, it is not only that trio Leeds must supposedly fend off. According to the South London Press, Millwall are also in the race to secure the loan signing this month.

This is born from heavy speculation of Crystal Palace interest in Romain Esse. The fellow winger has become a prime target for the Eagles.

Were the transfer merry-go-round to move that way, Leeds would have to concede that Barry would readily find more available game time at The Den rather than Elland Road.

Farke's existing wide options of Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani, Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James mean there is already intense competition in this area for Leeds.

Similarly, Hull are thought to be increasingly confident because of the package they can offer the youngster. They have also built prior bridges with Villa when dealing to bring Jaden Philogene to the MKM Stadium, then send him back in another permanent deal last summer.