Championship duo targeting Aston Villa’s Conor Hourihane

Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion are both looking to strike a deal with Aston Villa for midfielder Conor Hourihane, reports the Athletic.

Hourihane first came to Aston Villa from Barnsley in January 2017. He has since made 150 appearances for the club, scoring 29 goals and helping them to promotion via the play-offs in 2019.

However, he struggled for regular minutes in the 2020/21 season, making just four league appearances before being sent out on loan to Swansea City. Given the performances of the likes of Jack Grealish, John McGinn, and Douglas Luiz in midfield, it is unlikely that the Republic of Ireland international will force his way into Dean Smith’s starting XI for next term.

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