'I'd have said' - Birmingham and West Brom told to sign Aston Villa youngster as exit message sent out
Championship rivals Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion both have work to do this January
West Midlands rivals Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion both came into the Championship season with high expectations and neither outfit are living up to their lofty ambitions at present, with an important end to the season to come for both clubs.
Blues sit 13th in the second tier under Chris Davies but are just five points off the top six, which was undoubtedly their target at the beginning of the season after another summer of high-profile arrivals at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park. While not all their summer additions have hit the ground running this term, the Second City outfit aim to become a force to be reckoned with at this level just a season on from promotion.
West Brom, meanwhile, retain perennial promotion aspirations but have been a world away from their aims this term. The Baggies struggled under former head coach Ryan Mason and have seen their problems continue under new boss Eric Ramsay, leaving them down in 19th position and with growing relegation concerns.
Birmingham and West Brom told to target Louie Barry loan move
Both Birmingham and West Brom have been active in the January transfer market and both clubs will remain on the look-out for further additions in the latter stages of the window to aid with their respective aims for the season.
A potential transfer target for both clubs could be Aston Villa youngster Louie Barry, believes former Villa scout Bryan King.
The 22-year-old has returned to Villa Park after a brief loan spell at Sheffield United, where he made just nine appearances and struggled to make an impact under Chris Wilder with the Blades. The former West Brom and Barcelona academy prospect is still believed to be capable of proving himself in the Championship after shining on loan with League One side Stockport County in the first half of last season.
Barry’s future remains up in the air at present and it is important that he finds a new home where he is able to perform to the best of his ability as he continues his development.
Barry told to make short trip across West Midlands
King spoke to Villa News about what he feels the next move should be for Barry, mentioning both second-tier West Midlands outfits as a potential destination.
“I think if he goes anywhere, it’s got to be on Villa’s terms, not his," said King. “I would have thought he’d be okay in the Championship, but I don’t think Sheffield United was the right place. Wilder didn’t fancy him, and it was difficult for him to get into the side.
“I’d have said someone like Birmingham City or West Brom will want him. That would let Villa keep an eye on him for a local side," the former scout claimed. “He’s still got a lot to learn, and for now, he’s not going to play for Villa’s first team. If a Championship club wants a forward, it’s time for him to move on.”
It will make interesting viewing whether either of Birmingham or West Brom decide to make a move for one of their local rivals’ brightest young talents. Ultimately, if a Championship side decides that securing Barry on loan could make the difference in their season, then a mid-season move could be on the cards.