"I've heard" - Exclusive: Lee Hendrie backs Birmingham City to seal ambitious Aston Villa transfer deal | OneFootball

Birmingham City have recently been linked with Aston Villa's Louie Barry, and the Blues have been backed to get the deal done

Birmingham City are set for a hectic summer, as they prepare for life back in the Championship.

One player the Blues have been linked to recently is Aston Villa youngster Louie Barry, with Chris Davies’ side reportedly monitoring the 21-year-old’s situation.

According to GiveMeSport, Unai Emery is prepared to sanction another temporary exit for the forward after he spent last year with both Stockport County and Hull City.

The young prospect earned a lot of plaudits for his performances in League One, scoring 15 goals from 23 appearances.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former Villa midfielder, Lee Hendrie, believes there is a real chance that Barry could move to St. Andrew’s next season.

Lee Hendrie weighs in on Louie Barry’s Birmingham links

“I think signing Louie Barry would be a great deal for Birmingham City,” Hendrie told FLW.

“I've heard a lot of reports and a lot of whispers about Louie Barry going to Birmingham City, so it wouldn't surprise me.”

“He did brilliant things at Stockport, got injured at Hull City and that's what hampered him really going and kicking on and proving that he's well worthy of playing in the Championship.

“I think he is well worthy. They've got a really good manager at Birmingham who plays a nice style of football that would suit Barry’s game.

“He's versatile, he can play through the middle, he can play out wide, which would suit Birmingham, as they have got players that can chop and change throughout their front line.

“I think Louie Barry would be a great addition for Birmingham City, particularly going into the Championship with new, fresh ideas.”

Louie Barry will have a point to prove next season

Barry was a standout performer in League One in the first half of the 2024/25 campaign, returning to Stockport County after helping them gain promotion from League Two.

His inspiring performances saw the club fighting up at the sharp end of the third-tier, which led to January interest from a number of Championship clubs.

Hull won the race to his signature, but a knee injury in February curtailed the 21-year-old's impact, unable to help Ruben Selles’ side in their battle against relegation.

The Tigers ultimately finished 21st in the table, surviving due to a superior goal difference compared to Luton Town.

This isn’t how Barry would’ve wanted to announce himself to the Championship, which will only further fuel his drive to perform next season.

An ambitious Birmingham City side could provide him with that platform, as they look to continue their upward trajectory next term.