CONOR HOURIHANE ADMITS he has been affected to a degree by recent speculation regarding his future.
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The Cork-born midfielder has been a revelation in the Championship for newly promoted Barnsley this season, scoring six goals and contributing 11 assists in 28 appearances so far.
Hourihane, who has yet to win a senior cap for Ireland, also scored a well-executed free kick in his side’s win over Leeds at the weekend.
After the game, the 25-year-old acknowledged that the Villa speculation was in his thoughts, with Steve Bruce’s side reportedly close to securing a deal with their Championship rivals.
“Aston Villa is a fantastic club,” the £3 million-rated player told Sky Sports, after appearing to say goodbye to the Barnsley fans after the final whistle on Saturday.
“When a manager like Steve Bruce comes looking for you, it does turn your head a little bit. But we’ll see what happens next week.”
Meanwhile, Villa owner Tony Xia and Hourihane did little to quell speculation, with the pair following each other on Twitter over the weekend.
The midlands club are reportedly prepared to pay the former Sunderland youngster £30,000-a-week.
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Irish midfielder Hourihane admits his head has been turned by Villa interest
CONOR HOURIHANE ADMITS he has been affected to a degree by recent speculation regarding his future.
The Cork-born midfielder has been a revelation in the Championship for newly promoted Barnsley this season, scoring six goals and contributing 11 assists in 28 appearances so far.
Hourihane, who has yet to win a senior cap for Ireland, also scored a well-executed free kick in his side’s win over Leeds at the weekend.
After the game, the 25-year-old acknowledged that the Villa speculation was in his thoughts, with Steve Bruce’s side reportedly close to securing a deal with their Championship rivals.
“Aston Villa is a fantastic club,” the £3 million-rated player told Sky Sports, after appearing to say goodbye to the Barnsley fans after the final whistle on Saturday.
“When a manager like Steve Bruce comes looking for you, it does turn your head a little bit. But we’ll see what happens next week.”
Meanwhile, Villa owner Tony Xia and Hourihane did little to quell speculation, with the pair following each other on Twitter over the weekend.
The midlands club are reportedly prepared to pay the former Sunderland youngster £30,000-a-week.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
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Championship Conor Hourihane Aston Villa Barnsley temptation