NSWE can save Aston Villa millions by finally unleashing 18-year-old Louie Barry next season as Steven Gerrard is a big fan of the teenage striker.
With the manager looking to stamp his authority on the squad during his first summer transfer window at the club, bringing through youth talents such as Barry would be a welcome move as well as adding in his own signings.
The youngster has had quite the footballing journey so far, starting off at West Bromich Albion before joining the famed La Masia academy at Barcelona, becoming the first Englishman to do so.
After a few months he joined Villa, with academy manager lavishing praise upon the highly regarded striker, dubbing him “outstanding” and he went and scored the winner for Aston Villa U23s in a match against Cardiff.
His development has continued this season with a disastrous loan spell at Ipswich - in which he struggled for much game time in League One - followed by a drop-down to League Two Swindon Town.
His performances for Swindon have been excellent, with an average SofaScore rating of 7.03 and a total of six goals scored in 14 matches, he has adapted to the fourth tier with ease.
Barry's potential is huge and scoring goals is one way he'll continue to take acclaim. One such plaudit came from Lee Hendrie who speaking to Football FanCast said he was like a "young Michael Owen."
The stats above will no doubt please Gerrard, who made the choice to send the striker down to Swindon for him to get more game time.
There looks like a pathway for youngsters at villa Park, especially if they are talented enough. Just look at the likes of Jacob Ramsey, who only two years older than Barry, has made 31 appearances for the side this season in the Premier League.
With Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings being the only centre forwards in Gerrard's squad, if Barry has a solid pre-season, then there may well be a fantastic opportunity ahead for the youngster.