Aston Villa manager Bruce reveals Hourihane deal could go through today

BY KIERAN McCARTHY

CONOR Hourihane’s expected move to Aston Villa has moved a step closer with Villa manager Steve Bruce growing more confident of signing the Bandon man.

Barnsley captain Hourihane (25) has been strongly linked with a switch to Villa in this transfer window as a number of clubs battle to sign the in-form midfielder whose contract with Barnsley runs out in the summer.

‘We are waiting to hear back from Barnsley today and we hope we can announce something with that today,’ Bruce said on Friday morning.

There were widespread reports on Thursday that Hourihane was to undergo a medical with Villa but The Yorkshire Post believes that these were wide of the mark.

Aston Villa are hoping to finalise a deal to sign Barnsley midfielder Conor Hourihane today. pic.twitter.com/2gInip4nUS

— Jim White (@SkySportJim) January 20, 2017