The January transfer window is fast approaching and Villa must first negotiate the visit of Chelsea on Boxing Day, with a depleted Covid hit squad.
Here is the latest news and rumour concerning possible player movements at Villa Park
LOUIE BARRY TO SWINDON?
Embed from Getty ImagesHighly promising Villa youngster Louie Barry, who burst onto the scene after a move to Barcelona and goal against Liverpool in the Cup, has had little luck at Ipswich Town.
Barry has been on loan at Portman Road, but has barely featured after an injury spell and having fallen out of favour with now departed manager Paul Cook.
It goes without saying that Villa will be keen for the striker, still just 18, to get valuable senior level football under his belt. A return of just six league appearances for Ipswich, given the ability we know the youngster possesses, risks stalling his development.
It’s for that reason that we shouldn’t be surprised to learn that the former West Brom academy player might be moved along in the January window. The latest reports suggest that Villa are set to recall Barry, before immediately loaning him out again to Swindon Town.
ISAAC MOORE
Coventry City might soon start to refuse to answer the phone when Villa’s number appears.
Villa already moved to secure promising youngster Thierry Katsukunya for a significant fee and look set to move for the promising midfielder. Whilst little is known about the under-18 player, he is reported to be highly regarded in the Sky Blues set-up.
The move marks a further reminder of Villa’s determination and efforts to acquire emerging talent from both Europe but increasingly domestic based.
Christian Purslow has consistently made reference to youth development being central to the clubs development plan, driving a relentless recruitment campaign into the academy to address a longstanding culture of under-performance.
This has resulted in the likes of Barry (above) coming to prominece, Cameron Archer featuring, Jacob Ramsey establising in the starting XI as well as Carney Chukwuemeka pushing for first team opportunities.