Celtic could now sign Louie Barry for ‘big fee’ – sources
Celtic will have to pay a “big fee” to sign Louie Barry from Aston Villa in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Barry is a player in “huge demand” in this window.
The 21-year-old had an impressive first half of the season on loan at Stockport County where he scored 16 goals and provided three assists in 24 games, which led to Villa recalling him.
Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that Unai Emery wants to have a look at him in close quarters during Villa’s training sessions, and his future will very much depend on what the club wants to do with him after that point.
It is believed that Villa wants to tie Barry down to a new contract before potentially loaning him back out as they want to secure their asset.
However, Barry wants to try and fight for a place in the Villa first team, which means a permanent deal for him to leave the club is on the cards.
It will be a difficult deal for Celtic to pull off, as it will take a significant offer from the Scottish giants to prize him away from the Premier League side in the January transfer window.
Celtic will have to fight for Louie Barry
Celtic are in the market for a left-sided winger this month, which is why Barry is seen as an ideal target for Brendan Rodgers.
A loan deal for Barry would be the most likely option in January, but there is also a lot of interest in him from teams in the Championship and Villa would prefer to loan him to one of them.
Barry is seen as one of Villa’s best young prospects at the moment, therefore it is going to take a big offer for them to even consider selling him.
Football Insider confirmed that Villa are in talks with the young winger over a potential new deal.
However, first-team football could be tough for Barry to come due to the club recently signing Donyell Malen to enhance their attacking options.
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