Sheffield United want to elbow Leeds United aside and win race for ‘huge talent’ in January

Add as preferred source on Google

Automatic promotion may not be the only thing Sheffield United and Leeds United are battling against each other for in January.

The two Yorkshire sides both currently sit in the top two of the Championship and could look for reinforcements next month to strengthen their push for the Premier League.

Despite sitting top of the table, Chris Wilder believes his Blades side are still a long way from being guaranteed promotion, meaning it is almost certain they make signings.

Sheffield United’s imminent takeover is also likely to strengthen their hand, and while many view Leeds as having the strongest squad in the league, they can’t afford to be left behind.

Goalkeeper, number 10 and striker are all positions that could do with strengthening at Elland Road, and choosing to do nothing will have Leeds staring down the barrel of the play-offs again in May.

• READ MORE: Sheffield United’s goalkeeper believes they have sent message to Leeds after going top of the Championship

Sheffield United to battle Leeds for Louie Barry

Sheffield United and Leeds went after several of the same targets during the summer and it looks likely they will be shopping in a similar market again.

A couple of examples include both Callum O’Hare and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi opting for a move to Bramall Lane over Leeds, though Jayden Bogle did make the move across Yorkshire.

And now according to the Sheffield Star, the two clubs could be about to do battle again as Sheffield United join the race for Louie Barry.

Leeds have already been linked with Barry ahead of the window opening in just over two weeks’ time, as he looked set to be recalled early from his loan spell at Stockport County by Aston Villa.

Barry has netted an impressive 14 goals in 20 League One matches already this season and so Villa are keen to send him to a club at a higher level.

Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Burnley have all also been mentioned as potential destinations for the former Barcelona youth man.

• READ MORE: Dermot Gallagher shares if Preston star Ben Whiteman should have been sent off against Leeds United

Carlton Palmer has told Leeds to sign ‘huge talent’ Barry

Leeds could definitely do with a number nine in January but Barry doesn’t exactly fit the mould of what they need, considering he is better off the left.

However, that hasn’t stopped former Leeds midfielder Carlton Palmer from telling his old club to get a loan deal done for a player he thinks is ‘outstanding’.

He said: “He’s found his feet at Stockport last season and this season, where he’s done terrifically well. He’s a huge talent…

“The one thing Villa will be concerned about if they recall him from Stockport and send him out to a Championship side, they would not want him to be sat on the bench so Leeds would have to convince them he’s going to play week-in, week-out.

“He’s not played at that level, so it will be a huge gamble for Leeds at this present moment in time. Maybe if they can secure a loan with a view to a permanent move, they may be looking for him in the future and that would be a good bit of business because he’s got a really bright future ahead of him.”