Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane is attracting interest from both Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion as he enters the final 12 months of his contract in the Midlands, according to The Athletic.

Spending the second half of the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Swansea City, the Republic of Ireland international registered seven goal contributions in 24 appearances, with five goals and two assists for Steve Cooper's side [Transfermarkt].

He could now be set for a further loan spell at either Bramall Lane or The Hawthorns, with The Athletic claiming that the relegated duo have taken an interest in him.

Villa have not yet made their demands known for the 30-year-old, with many Championship clubs struggling for funds this summer, but he is seen as an attractive proposition for the Blades and the Baggies due to his previous promotion experience with Villa in 2018/19 [The Athletic].

In light of this news, plenty of Aston Villa diehards took to Twitter to express their opinion on these latest developments surrounding Hourihane, who struggled for Premier League game-time in the opening months of last season.

Aston Villa fans react:

Replying to popular Aston Villa fan outlet @villareport, here is how some fans summarised their opinions on a potential exit for the Irish midfielder. Many were clamouring for him to be included in a potential swap deal with either Sander Berge or Matheus Pereira, both of whom have been strongly linked with Premier League clubs this summer:

"Would be a good move for him tbh, can’t see him getting much game time with us this season"

Credit: @GW_94
"Conor+money for either Berge or Pereira"
Credit: @tom_avfc1
"If he's leaving to them, include a swap deal for Berge or Pereira. Conor has provided special moments for us, he'll leave highly regarded. One of my favourite players of the previous few years"
Credit: @AdamLeen4
"If West Brom gives us Pereira for Hourihane or similar with Sheff Utd for Berge, then good deal"
Credit: @MilanRnic1
"Swap deal for Berge or Pereira? Yes please"
Credit: @ViIlaI_
"Get him gaaaarrnnnnn"
Credit: @OllyAVFC_
In other news, many Aston Villa fans react to comments on this transfer target.