Leeds United reportedly face fierce competition in the race to sign Aston Villa forward Louie Barry.
The 21-year-old has spent the first half of the season on loan at Stockport County, his second such stint at Edgeley Park having initially helped County to promotion from League Two during 2023-24.
However, during this campaign, the attacker has taken his game to new levels, contributing 14 goals and one assist from his 20 appearances in League One.
Although Stockport would naturally like to retain his services for the entire season, Villa are said to want Barry to experience Championship football for the first time.
According to Football Insider, Leeds are one of the teams who are contemplating whether to make an approach for the former England Under-18 international.
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Championship rivals to provide competition
Nevertheless, the report claims that Middlesbrough are currently ahead of Daniel Farke's side in the race for Barry's signature.
That is despite it being suggested that the majority of second-tier sides are likely to make their case why they should be trusted with the next phase of his development.
Villa are allegedly of the opinion that Barry will not be guaranteed regular game time at Leeds should he make the switch to Elland Road.
Leeds already possess the best attacking record in the division with 37 goals being scored in 21 matches, albeit with Joel Piroe their leading marksman with seven strikes.
While Barry has been deployed in a range of roles in the final third for Stockport, Farke is well stocked with attacking options.
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Would Middlesbrough be a better fit?
Although Middlesbrough sit eight points adrift of Leeds in the Championship table, Michael Carrick's side have netted just two fewer goals.
Three players - Emmanuel Latte Lath, Tommy Conway and Finn Azaz - have contributed 22 goals between them, highlighting that there could be scope for Barry to feature somewhere in the final third.
Barry's contract length at Villa is unknown, it not clear whether Villa would consider any permanent offers for his services at this stage.
Darren Plant
