Stoke City is actively looking to strengthen their attacking lineup during this transfer window, especially after the departure of their top scorer, Tom Cannon, who returned to Leicester City from his loan spell.
The club, under Mark Robins, is in search of a forward who can fill the void left by Cannon and bring a fresh spark to their offense.
While Nathan Lowe has shown promise by scoring in crucial matches, like the recent encounter against West Brom Albion, and Sam Gallagher is another valuable asset, injuries have limited Gallagher's contributions this season.
The need for a reliable striker is evident, and Stoke City is keen on finding either a permanent signing or a loan option to boost their front line.
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Louie Barry: A Promising Prospect
Louie Barry, currently with Aston Villa, has emerged as a potential target for Stoke City. The 21-year-old forward had an impressive stint at Stockport County in League Two, scoring 16 goals and providing 3 assists in 24 appearances.
Celtic are set to test Aston Villa’s resolve with a bid for Louie Barry.
— We are Stoke (@weare_stoke) January 16, 2025
Villa would prefer Barry to sign a new deal and then put him out on loan to the Championship, where Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough and Stoke City are all interested.
Source: Daily Record
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His performances have caught the attention of several Championship clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough, alongside Stoke City.
Aston Villa is reportedly considering offering Barry a new contract before sending him out on loan to gain more experience. Barry's goal-scoring prowess and his potential make him a highly sought-after player for teams aiming to strengthen their attacking options in the Championship.
A Bright Future Ahead
With Aston Villa's plans for Barry still in progress, it is likely that the young forward will soon be loaned out to continue his development in a more competitive environment.
Stoke City, along with other interested clubs, awaits the decision, hoping to secure Barry's services for the remainder of the season. His arrival could be a significant boost for Stoke City's ambitions in the Championship as they seek to improve their standing and make a stronger push in the league.