Millwall are keen on taking Aston Villa’s attacking talent Louie Barry on loan.
The South London Press understands that the Lions are one of a number of clubs keen on the 21-year-old.
Barry had been on loan at Stockport County and scored 15 goals in 23 League One matches before it was confirmed in late December that he would be recalled by his parent club.
Millwall are in the market for a winger in this transfer window and there has been heavy speculation over the future of Romain Esse, who has emerged as a prime transfer target for Crystal Palace.
But there are other clubs also keen on Esse, including interest from abroad in the shape of Monaco.
Barry has banged in 25 goals in 46 matches for Stockport during two loan spells there.
He was a key man as Dave Challinor’s side won promotion from League Two.
Barry broke a post-war club record at Stockport last season by scoring in seven consecutive league games.
Villa manager Unai Emery made it clear recently that Barry is set to make another temporary exit to aide his development.
“We are happy with him,” said Emery. “If he can help us, he will do it. But in case, his progression is better to go on loan and to play more and more and get minutes and confidence, playing at a higher level than he played, of course, is the plan with him.”
Sunderland and Leeds United have been linked with Barry.
Challinor told BBC Radio Manchester before his stay was cut short that they were aware of the risk.
“When you take a player on loan, especially from a Premier League club, the reality is you know what you’re getting going into,” said Challinor.
“We obviously hope that he can stay with us and score another 15 goals in the back end of the season and quite selfishly say that monetises his value more than going to a Championship club and not playing the same amount of minutes that he’s having here.
“That’s a decision that’s out of our control.”
Our paper had been told that Millwall also expressed an interest in Middlesbrough’s Isaiah Jones.
The wideman has been the subject of both loan and permanent enquiries.
But Boro have now accepted £5million bids from West Bromwich Albion and Luton Town for the South London-born attacker.
PICTURE: ALAMY