Sheffield United and Conor Hourihane parted ways this week after the midfielder’s loan spell ended, and West Brom could now move to bring the Villa man to The Hawthorns.
Hourihane endured an up and down season with United. But on the whole, he finished it well enough and Blades fans were comfortable enough with the contribution he made. Indeed, Hourihane actually appeared 31 times for United, despite being substituted after just half and hour against Millwall at home early in the campaign.
But despite Paul Heckingbottom knowing Hourihane well and being a big fan, Football Insider claims that Steve Bruce is massively keen to bring Hourihane to West Brom. Bruce is keen to bring in fresh faces over the summer, after Albion endured a poor campaign against their expectations.
Hourihane is out of contract with Aston Villa and there’s zero chance of him signing fresh terms. But with over 400 appearances to his name, the majority of which have come at Championship level, the Irishman will be seen as an attractive proposition to clubs in the second tier.
Blades boss Heckingbottom has made no secret of his desire to sort transfer plans out quickly. Whether or not Hourihane features on any potential list, remains to be seen.
MORE UNITED STORIES
Our View: Conor Hourihane Did Ok But Sheffield United Could Do With Better
Hourihane will probably be disappointed with his contribution at United. Yes, he put in some good performances and was key to the start of the revival under Heckingbottom.
However, there was probably more expected of Hourihane in all honesty. We didn’t see that trademark set-piece reputation he came with enough, while he only scored a single goal. Sadly for him as well, his last act in red and white was to miss a penalty. Not that we apportion any blame to him for the shootout loss at Forest.
For now, United might be better moving on from Hourihane. He’s likely to be on a decent wage packet at Villa, and for the contribution given, United could possibly do better.