Aston Villa: Middlesbrough's stance on Louie Barry clarified as Stockport County sweat | OneFootball

Boro are interested in a move for Barry, but a move to the Riverside doesn't seem to be certain at this point.

Middlesbrough have taken an interest in Stockport County loanee Louie Barry but are not yet plotting a move for the Aston Villa forward.

Birmingham World were first to report Boro's interest amid claims that Villa are set to recall Barry in January but Northern Echo has now clarified the Teessiders' stance.

Barry has been impressive for County during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns, scoring nine goals and registering four assists in 20 League Two appearances.

His contributions helped the club to secure a place in League One - and following such a successful spell at Edgeley Park - he was allowed to move there on loan again during the previous window.

Joining on a season-long loan, he has already been able to make a real impact, making the step up to the third tier seamlessly.

Establishing himself as one of the most prolific attacking players in the division, his contributions are helping to keep County in the promotion mix at this stage.

Braces against Reading and Burton Albion have allowed him to improve his goalscoring tally - and he will be hoping to have a similar impact in the coming weeks.

Beyond then, it remains to be seen whether he will still be at his current loan club, with Villa having the option to recall him.

According to Birmingham World, the Premier League side are planning to recall him following his excellent start to the season, potentially with the aim of loaning him out to a Championship side.

This would give the 21-year-old the opportunity to test himself at a higher level, having already proved his worth in the third and fourth tiers of English football.

That decision, however, would be a very painful one for a Stockport side who will be desperate to retain the attacker for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.

Middlesbrough stance on Louie Barry revealed amid Aston Villa recall rumours

It has been reported by Birmingham World that Michael Carrick's side would be keen to take him to the Riverside for the remainder of the season if Barry is recalled from Stockport.

The Northern Echo have confirmed this interest - and the same report has also revealed that the Teesside outfit will keep tabs on the player.

They have, however, also stated that Boro are not yet in a position where they are planning a move for him, and that could suggest that another team may end up winning the race for the 21-year-old if he becomes available.

Boro have watched Barry a few times this season though, so it will be interesting to see whether they make a move in January.

Louie Barry could provide Middlesbrough with even more firepower

Boro already have some key attackers who can make a real difference in the final third.

Tommy Conway, Emmanuel Latte Lath and Finn Azaz are all classy options to have at this level.

Azaz is beginning to establish himself as a real star - and having Barry alongside him to support Latte Lath could potentially raise all of their performance levels.

This can only be a good thing for Boro, who scored six at Oxford United earlier this month and already look a threat in the final third without any further additions.

Ben Doak, Azaz and Barry behind Latte Lath, with Conway available as an option from the bench, could be a lethal combination.