Sunderland-linked Aston Villa starlet Louie Barry is on the verge of joining Championship rivals Hull City on loan until the end of the season.

According to reports from Hull Live, the relegation-threatened Tigers have won the race to snap-up Barry, after their owner Acun Ilicali held talks with Villa owner Nassef Sawiris over a deal. The forward, who predominantly plays on the left wing, was loaned to Stockport County at the beginning of the season and throughout last term, and he blossomed during 18 months at Edgeley Park.

Barry bagged a magnificent 15 goals in 23 League One matches this campaign to catch the eye of Championship clubs across the land. As well as the Black Cats, Sheffield United, Middlesbrough, Leeds United and Derby County were all thought to be keen on the winger.

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Scottish champions Celtic were also thought to be keen on Barry, but it appears as though the forward has chosen a move to the MKM Stadium. His medical is expected on Tuesday with the deal made official before the week ends.

Villa were thought to be keen for Barry to play at a higher level having impressed so much in the third tier and now he will be able to test his skills against some of the division's biggest clubs. Sadly for Sunderland's manager Regis Le Bris, it will not be long before he potentially sees what he could have won.

Hull are set to visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday, February 22 as the revived Tigers look to continue distancing themselves from the bottom three - while Sunderland maintain their chase for automatic promotion.