Sunderland to rival Leeds United in chase to sign Louie Barry on loan - report

Sunderland look set to compete with Leeds United among several other Championship clubs to sign Aston Villa forward Louie Barry on loan, according to the Sunday Mirror.

In the print edition of Sunday Mirror (15 December, pg 67), it states that Sunderland are one of four Championship clubs, including Leeds United, keen on signing Louie Barry who could fill the gap left by the injured Tommy Watson.

Barry has excelled in his current loan spell at Stockport County and Sunderland could look to make a swoop in January ahead of what could be a busy transfer window.

Aston Villa are keen on seeing Barry progress higher up the EFL after impressing in League One.

Louie Barry signing would be welcomed at Sunderland

The Black Cats have struggled for goals in recent weeks with Romaine Mundle's absence felt alongside that of Watson who went off injured in their clash with Bristol City.

Barry's addition would show a sign of intent while massively improving the attacking options that Regis Le Bris has at his disposal.

Typically operating on the left of a front three, Barry also has the capability to play centrally and could be of use to the Black Cats in that position if Wilson Isidor is unable to find the scoring touch again.

A 3-2 victory against Swansea on 14 December moved them straight back into promotion contention but January could have a deciding factor in how long that push can be maintained.

Sunderland must simply utilise it to its full potential if they are to achieve success come the end of the campaign and failure to do so could be seen as a serious lack of ambition from the club.

In other Sunderland news, Carlton Palmer has made an exit prediction on Jobe Bellingham.

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