QPR transfer blow as Championship rivals 'close' to deal for in demand Leeds United & Sheffield United target

Marti Cifuentes, manager of QPR celebrates after the final whistle of the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City FC and Queens Park Rangers FC at Cardiff City Stadium on November 27, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales.Marti Cifuentes, manager of QPR celebrates after the final whistle of the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City FC and Queens Park Rangers FC at Cardiff City Stadium on November 27, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales.
Marti Cifuentes, manager of QPR celebrates after the final whistle of the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City FC and Queens Park Rangers FC at Cardiff City Stadium on November 27, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. | Getty Images
One Queens Park Rangers transfer target looks set to join one of their Championship rivals

Queens Park Rangers and Millwall’s Championship rivals Derby County have emerged as surprise frontrunners to land Aston Villa’s Louie Barry on loan. The 21-year-old has emerged as a target for a host of Championship sides after scoring 15 times in 23 League One games for Stockport County.

He was recalled from his loan at the third tier club with Villa keen for the 21-year-old to gain some experience in the Championship. TEAMtalk reported last month that Sheffield United, Coventry City, Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City were among the clubs to ‘register’ their interest in Barry. The news of Championship interest emerged when it was first reported that Villa were considering cutting short his loan with Stockport.

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Jimmy Dune and Michael Frey are QPR’s top scorers in the Championship this season with four goals each. A prolific goal-scorer of Barry’s calibre could help propel them further away from the bottom three as they seek to avoid another relegation battle. However, Alan Nixon has reported that Derby, who are just two points behind QPR and three behind Millwall, are stepping up their pursuit of the player.

Derby offering regular football

The Rams are hoping to see off competition from the likes of Sheffield United and Middlesbrough to secure a move for Barry. The Star reports that Leeds United and Sunderland are also among the clubs who have expressed an interest in the player. Derby believe they can offer Barry more game-time compared to the likes of Leeds, Sheffield United and Sunderland with the trio strong in attacking areas as they challenge for an automatic promotion spot. Middlesbrough reportedly held talks with Villa last month as they risk losing Liverpool loanee Ben Doak this month. The Scotland international has already been the subject of bids from Crystal Palace.

Derby have scored 31 goals in their 26 Championship games so far. They have lost half of their league fixtures and sit four points above the relegation places. Barry would no doubt improve their attack. He has previously spent time on loan at Ipswich Town, Swindon Town, MK Dons and Salford City.

Barry highly rated by Villa

Louie Barry of Stockport County celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Sky Bet League One match between Stockport County FC and Wrexham AFC at Edgeley Park on November 16, 2024 in Stockport, England.Louie Barry of Stockport County celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Sky Bet League One match between Stockport County FC and Wrexham AFC at Edgeley Park on November 16, 2024 in Stockport, England.
Louie Barry of Stockport County celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Sky Bet League One match between Stockport County FC and Wrexham AFC at Edgeley Park on November 16, 2024 in Stockport, England. | Getty Images

Villa handed Barry a new contract before sending him out on loan to Stockport County in the summer. Speaking about the player, Unai Emery said recently: "He is really performing very well, last year, this year. He did pre-season [with Villa] and we want to introduce him again with us here and to take again another decision with him. But he has potential."

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On what is next for the forward: "We are happy with him. 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. We are going to decide again with him, but his potential is exploiting and really being fantastic for him, for the club, as our player. And then we are going to decide."

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