Sheffield United in advanced talks to sign Aston Villa's Louie Barry on loan
The Championship club have been the most likely option for Barry since a proposed agreement to join Hull City at the start of this month collapsed after concerns were raised over the affordability of the deal.
Hull struggled to meet the £3.5million financial package agreed with Villa, which included a 50 per cent sell-on clause as well as covering Barry's salary. Shortly after, a three-window transfer embargo was placed on Hull.
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Sheffield United, who narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season following a play-off final defeat to Sunderland, have been in discussions with Villa and the 22-year-old in recent weeks, with a deal now close. It is set to be a season-long loan with no option to buy.
If completed, the forward will reunite with head coach Ruben Selles, who worked with Barry on loan at Hull last season, though he only made four appearances due to a knee injury in February that ruled him out for the rest of the season. Selles is a keen advocate of Barry's as the club aim to regain promotion to the top-flight.
Barry had joined Hull in January after he scored 15 goals in 23 League One appearances at Stockport County in the first half of the campaign.
Barry came through West Bromwich Albion's academy and has had spells at Barcelona, Ipswich Town, Swindon Town, MK Dons and Salford City. He has made one senior appearance for Villa, scoring on his debut against Liverpool in a 4-1 FA Cup defeat in 2021.
(Ben)
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