Sunderland are reportedly among a number of Championship teams waiting for the go ahead from Aston Villa to make a move for striker Louie Barry this month.

The Black Cats are among a whole host of clubs linked with a move for the highly rated young striker, having been recalled from a fruitful spell with League One side Stockport County earlier this month. The Villa youngster netted 16 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions for the Hatters in the first half of the campaign, before being recalled by his parent club at the start of January.

According to Sky Sports, the Premier League side are casting their eye over Barry in training in the next couple of weeks before making a decision on a loan move this month. It comes after a reported approach from Scottish Premiership side Celtic, who are said to be interested in a permanent move for the 21-year-old.

READ MORE: Sunderland make striker transfer decision with January deal imminent

READ MORE: I asked to leave Newcastle after 202 games - now I could have a say in Sunderland's promotion hopes

However, Villa are not looking to offload the striker on a permanent deal this month, with the likes of Boro, Leeds United, Derby County, Millwall and the Black Cats all linked with a move.

The decision to keep Barry at Villa Park for the next few weeks means a proposed move to the Stadium of Light would only take place towards the back end of the month, if Sunderland were to make an approach.

The Black Cats have already made waves in the second tier, signing the hugely talented Enzo Le Fee on a loan deal from AS Roma, with an obligation to buy should they return to the top flight at the end of the season in a reported deal worth €24million (£20.2m).

In terms of incomings, Regis Le Bris and his side have once again been linked with former Everton striker Tom Cannon, while Southampton's Ben Brereton Diaz is another to have been linked with a move to Wearside.

Sunderland striker Aaron Connolly has also been linked with a move to fellow Championship side Millwall having struggled for game time since arriving at the Stadium of Light in the summer.