"A huge gamble" - Pundit reacts as Leeds United join Stoke City and Middlesbrough in Aston Villa race | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer spoke exclusively to Football League World about Leeds United's reported interest in Louie Barry

Pundit and former England international Carlton Palmer has encouraged Leeds United to complete a loan agreement with Aston Villa for in-demand forward Louie Barry in the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old is seemingly the subject of significant interest, with suitors having been alerted to his services amid a sensational second loan spell with high-flying League One outfit Stockport County.

Barry, who impressed at Edgeley Park during the 2023/24 season before seeing his term prematurely curtailed through injury, returned to Stockport on loan during the summer and has been a driving force behind their pursuit of consecutive promotions after lifting the fourth-tier title last time out.

The versatile forward, who is capable of playing as either a winger or a striker, is currently enjoying inspired form for Stockport, and he remains League One's leading goalscorer with a mightily-impressive return of 14 strikes from 19 appearances. According to reports, Villa are running the rule over a potential recall for Barry, who has attracted interest from a host of Championship clubs including Middlesbrough, QPR, Coventry City, Stoke, Sheffield United and, most recently, Leeds.

Carlton Palmer backs Leeds United to sign Aston Villa's Louie Barry amid Joel Piroe factor

Leeds, who sit second in the Championship with 41 points after 20 matches, are stacked with attacking options. Daniel Farke is blessed with the likes of Dan James, Willy Gnonto, Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani at his disposal alongside Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe as striking options, although Palmer believes Leeds could still benefit from acquiring Barry.

That's because of the profile he would offer this Leeds side, which, according to Palmer, would reap the rewards from a versatile forward who can stretch defences, get in behind and offer increased dynamism from the front. Those are not necessarily qualities which Piroe is renowned for, although it's worth noting that Barry has played much of his football for Stockport wide-left in a front three.

"Leeds United are the latest club to be linked with Louie Barry, the talented centre-forward on loan at Stockport from Aston Villa," Palmer exclusively told Football League World.

"He's already got 14 goals and has provided one assist in 19 league appearances for Stockport, who are in fifth place. It's thought that Villa are considering recalling him so that he can go on loan at a higher division for the second-half of the season.

"I think that's a bit cruel on Stockport, who have taken him on loan. He's found his feet at Stockport last season and this season, where he's done terrifically well. He's a huge talent.

"I think that he should be allowed to stay at Stockport until the end of the season, and then if you want to send him on loan the following season you can do that. I think Leeds will be worried about injuries in the second-half of the season, they've got Gnonto, Ramazani and Solomon but what they'll be looking for is that striker on top who has that pace and runs in behind, and Barry provides that.

"They haven't got that with Piroe. He holds the ball up and links up play but when you play that sole striker that they do, they need someone who can run off the back of centre-halves and get in behind. The one thing Villa will be concerned about if they recall him from Stockport and send him out to a Championship side, they would not want him to be sat on the bench so Leeds would have to convince them he's going to play week-in, week-out.

"He's not played at that level, so it will be a huge gamble for Leeds at this present moment in time. Maybe if they can secure a loan with a view to a permanent move, they may be looking for him in the future and that would be a good bit of business because he's got a really bright future ahead of him."

Aston Villa's Louie Barry could deliver promotion ingredient to Leeds United, Daniel Farke

Although Leeds ultimately managed to save face and successfully offset the losses of a number of integral players throughout the summer transfer window such as Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, there's still a school of thought that next month is going to be crucial at Elland Road.

Leeds supporters are crying out for a statement signing capable of making an instant impact and helping the Whites over the line in their pursuit of promotion at the second time of asking, and Barry could be the perfect candidate. Although he's yet to be tested in the Championship, there appears to be little doubt of his capability at making the step-up if and indeed when the time comes.