Aston Villa transfer decision over former Barcelona star as player's stance revealed

Aston Villa are in conversations with Stockport County over when Louie Barry can return to play for them. 

The 20-year-old hasn’t played since October 24. He has been sidelined with a hamstring injury which stopped him in his tracks when he was building up some form. 

Barry notched up nine goals and two assists in 15 League Two matches before suffering a long-term injury. He returned to the Midlands to begin his rehabilitation but now he could return to Greater Manchester for the end of season run in. 

In an interview with Stockport County’s media team, manager Dave Challinor said: “That’s out of our control a little bit if I’m honest. 

“The plan through Aston Villa, and we’ll obviously speak to them this week, was to be involved, or capability to be involved, against Colchester.

“We’d hope to try and bring that forward, and Louie hopes to bring that forward, to Sutton. But, like I say, that’s out of our control, we’ll be totally guided by them.

"Nobody would ever put him at risk, but he is, as you would expect, really, really keen to get back involved.

“He’s been great around the place in the days that he’s been back.

“So, at worst I’d say Tuesday. Best? Maybe Saturday.”

Stockport are currently top of the League Two standings with six games to go. They hold a six-point lead and two games in hand over MK Dons as they hope to secure automatic promotion to League One. Barry was at MK Dons last year and helped Salford City reach the play-offs. 

The Sutton Coldfield-born centre-forward turns 21 in the summer and Villa might have a decision to make on his future. He joined Villa from Barcelona in January 2020 but has been unable to make a mark on the first team.

He played and scored in the FA Cup tie against Liverpool in 2021 in which Villa were forced to play their under-21s team. It is the only time he has featured in their match day squad.