Exclusive: Celtic set sights on signing Aston Villa sensation Louie Barry
Celtic are eyeing a potential swoop for Aston Villa forward sensation Louie Barry this month, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed the Glasgow giants are keen to sign the 21-year-old on a permanent basis.
Barry spent the first half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan with Stockport County but has returned to Aston Villa after a recall.
The young striker has returned to Villa for assessment from Unai Emery but it was widely expected that he would exit the club on another loan.
Football Insider revealed on 17 December that Middlesbrough led Leeds United in the race to sign the former Barcelona youngster on a temporary basis.
But Celtic are now set to enter the race for Barry’s signature and are considering a permanent bid for the striker.
He scored 16 goals in 24 games for Stockport in the first half of this season, including 15 in League One.
Barry primarily played on the left wing for the third-tier side and also filled in at centre-forward when needed.
Celtic keen on permanent move for Aston Villa star Barry
The young striker has scored regular goals in League One and League Two throughout his development, with Villa choosing to send him out to Ipswich, Swindon, MK Dons, Salford and Stockport since signing him in 2020.
Celtic are eyeing reinforcements on the left wing with Luis Palma set to join Rayo Vallecano on an initial loan.
The Hoops can also offer Barry the chance to play Champions League football, with Brendan Rodgers’ side well placed to advance to the knockout stages.
Celtic sit top of the Scottish Premiership and face European clashes against Young Boys and Aston Villa later this month.
In other news, Rodgers “demanding two Celtic signings this month” after Rangers twist.
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