Aston Villa’s stance on Sheffield United man emerges | OneFootball

Premier League outfit Aston Villa are not looking to renew Sheffield United loanee Conor Hourihane’s contract after his contract comes to an end at the conclusion of the 2021/22 campaign, as per Yorkshire Live.

The 30-year-old had seemingly been deemed surplus to requirements at Villa Park in the summer, when he was loaned out to the South Yorkshire club on the penultimate day of the previous transfer window.

In fact, he had all but confirmed his departure from the West Midlands outfit when he took to Instagram at the end of August to bid an emotional farewell to his parent side’s fans, playing a key role in their promotion before playing regularly in the top flight.

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Tammy Abraham scored how many Championship goals (excluding play-offs) for Villa?

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However, then-manager Dean Smith was sacked by Villa in November with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard coming in as his replacement, potentially providing the Irishman with hope that a new regime could have a different stance on his future.

But Yorkshire Live’s Nathan Hemmingham has confirmed that the top-tier club are still willing to let him go on the expiration of his contract, with the 30-year-old’s next permanent destination currently unclear.

After initially struggling to impress at Bramall Lane in the early stages of his loan spell this term, he has been a vital figure for manager Paul Heckingbottom recently.

But it remains to be seen whether the Blades are willing to offer him a permanent deal at the end of the campaign.

The Verdict:

This is the perfect chance for Hourihane to put himself in the shop window between now and the end of 2021/22 – and in a bid to receive as many options as possible in the summer – he will be looking to impress.

And this can do no harm to the Blades who will need their players to put in the extra 10% needed to force their way into top-six contention again after recent setbacks.

John Fleck has made a recovery from his collapse at Reading and a move away for Sander Berge doesn’t seem imminent at this stage, but if the latter impresses and is sold on in the summer for a lucrative fee, the Irishman could potentially remain at Bramall Lane.

Many would question his ability to play in the top flight again, especially United fans who are more sceptical about the 30-year-old, but he seems to have formed an effective partnership with Oliver Norwood in midfield as a key asset of Heckingbottom’s.

Consistent performances for the remainder of the season could persuade his current loan side to offer him permanent terms though, so he is one player to keep an eye on in the coming months.