Celtic’s reported pursuit of Aston Villa prospect Louie Barry has been in the media for over a week at this point, with the Premier League club’s position on the 20-year-old forward remaining firm.
The Hoops are believed to have tabled a bid in excess of £5 million during the January transfer window [Mail Sport], but they face stiff competition from a host of clubs keen to secure the highly-rated youngster.
Barry’s stock has risen significantly after an impressive loan spell at Stockport County, where he scored 16 goals in 24 appearances before being recalled by Villa earlier this month.
Villa’s “Preference”
According to The Times, Aston Villa would prefer Barry to extend his contract with the club before heading out on a second loan to continue his development. However, this option may not align with Celtic’s intentions, as the Scottish champions are thought to be targeting a permanent deal for the England youth international.
Barry’s contract situation, coupled with his recent form, has created significant interest in the player, with Celtic looking to bolster their attacking options.
Deal Still in the Balance
While Villa’s preference for a loan might complicate negotiations, Celtic’s reported willingness to pay a substantial fee underlines their commitment to securing the player’s services. But since reports of a bid, the trail has gone cold.
