SWINDON Town are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa forward Louie Barry on loan in January.

The 18-year-old is currently on loan at Ipswich Town in League One but has only made six appearances in all competitions - three of which were in the EFL Trophy - and is yet to score this term.

With new Tractor Boys boss Kieran McKenna running the rule over his squad, Barry's future at Portman Road appears to be coming to a natural end.

Birmingham Live's Ashley Preece has suggested Swindon are looking to take Barry if and when the teenager returns to Villa Park in early January.

New Villa boss Steven Gerrard is keen to ensure all of the club's 13 loanees are playing regular football in the new year, and as such players like Barry will likely switch teams to ensure that happens.

Speaking to Birmingham Live, Gerrard said: "We'll analyse all of the loans and we might make a few decisions on one or two in terms of coming back who are not playing much because I don't see any point in our players being at any other club if they're not playing.

"If people are out playing and are enjoying the experience we won't interfere, they'll continue to progress and develop.

"We'll probably look to get one or two more out as well for first-team experience in the coming weeks, but they're obviously conversations that are happening in the background."

If Barry does arrive at the County Ground, it could spell the end of Alex Gilbert's loan from Brentford. The winger has failed to follow up a sparkling debut against Stevenage and has struggled for consistent appearances since late September.

On the flip side, Town boss Ben Garner may be keen to work with the talented youngster in a bid to chisel out the undoubted talent Gilbert possesses.

And with just four loans at the club currently, Garner and his team can still include one more borrowed player in the match-day squad.

Should Town sign Barry to bolster their attacking options, the 18-year-old would join fellow Villains star Kaine Kesler-Hayden in Wiltshire.

It is believed Villa are delighted with the way Kesler-Hayden's loan is progressing at Swindon and want him to stay until the summer.

From there, Gerrard's men will likely look for a Championship club for Kesler-Hayden to further bolster his experience. If all goes well, the attack-minded defender could joining up with the first-team squad in 18 months' time.