Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has left the door open for Louie Barry to remain at the club for the rest of the season.
Having impressed for Stockport County during their League Two promotion campaign in 2023-24, Barry was allowed to return to Edgeley Park to get third-tier football under his belt.
The 21-year-old delivered 15 goals and three assists from his 23 League One outings before being recalled by Villa at the start of the year.
While Championship clubs are known to be circling for the versatile attacker, there is scope for Barry staying in the West Midlands with Villa cashing in on Jaden Philogene.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Thursday, Emery suggested that he is still contemplating how to handle Barry's future.
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Could Barry play against West Ham?
Emery is aware that Barry will be unable to go back out on loan if he makes a first-team appearance for Villa, a result of being unable to represent three different teams in the same season, but an opportunity could arise to feature against West Ham United in the FA Cup third round on Friday night.
Barry did not play in Stockport's previous two ties in the competition, but the continued uncertainty over his next move may see him left out versus the Hammers.
As quoted by the Birmingham Mail, Emery said: "He trained with us and we are going to make a plan with him, an overall plan.
"I think he is a very good player who is progressing very well. He has been on loan doing fantastic. Now we can have a new plan with him.
"He improved because he was scoring a lot of goals on loan. With us he only trained today and yesterday. Of course we are going to try and get a good plan for the club with him."
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Which Championship clubs have been linked?
Leeds United and Middlesbrough have both been credited as admirers in Barry as they plot how to strengthen their respective attacks.
While Leeds are already blessed with a strong contingent for the final third, Middlesbrough may require reinforcements if Liverpool decide to sell Ben Doak.
The majority of Championship clubs are realistically waiting for Emery's decision, with Villa likely to choose a team that can offer regular starts over looking to send him to the highest-profile club.
Darren Plant
