Conor Hourihane has an uncertain future at Aston Villa as he has been short of playing time this season, falling behind John McGinn, Douglas Luiz and Ross Barkley in the midfield pecking order.
Although Dean Smith played down talk of letting players leave in January, Neil Moxley of the Sunday Mirror reported (via The 72) that Middlesbrough are interested in a loan deal for Hourihane and believes that the Villa manager ‘will allow him to leave’, so could a move be on the cards?
The 29-year-old has made only five appearances in all competitions this season, last featuring in November’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham United. Hourihane has been an unused substitute in Villa’s last six Premier League games and may be surplus to requirements. [Transfermarkt]
A potential departure might depend on whether Villa can bring in a midfielder. The Irishman is an important squad player, so a replacement will be required before the winter transfer window shuts.
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Smith would like to sign Barkley on a permanent deal and is showing interest in Matias Vecino, Michael Olise, Morgan Sanson and Sivert Mannsverk, so Hourihane could leave if one of those comes in.
The Irish international should jump at the chance of getting first team football elsewhere, too, so dropping down a division for a few months may not be a problem.
Middlesbrough are seventh in the Championship and fighting for a playoff place, so bringing in a player of proven Premier League quality could boost their chances of promotion back to the top flight.
