Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane is said to be close to completing a loan move to Championship outfit Sheffield United, with the Republic of Ireland international set to undergo a medical today, according to Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law on Twitter.
On the periphery at Villa Park, the Irishman has only made a solitary appearance for his current employers this season in a 6-0 rout of League Two side Barrow in the Carabao Cup [Transfermarkt].
Unsurprisingly, the 30-year-old now looks odds-on to head out on loan for a second successive season, having spent time at Swansea during the 2020/21 campaign.
Communicating to his considerable Twitter following, Law signified that Hourihane is expected to join Sheffield United on loan subject to medical examination, describing the Irish midfielder as a "great pro" who has made some "huge contributions" at Villa Park. For instance, he was a regular in the team which won promotion back to the Premier League in 2019, only to see his minutes diminished in the top flight.
In light of this news, plenty of Aston Villa diehards took to social media to express their opinion on his impending loan exit to Yorkshire.
Aston Villa fans react
Replying to multiple outlets on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about Hourihane's situation. While some were displeased that he isn't getting a chance under Dean Smith this term, others feel that a loan exit to the Blades would be a "great move" for him:
"Great move for him - he can make a huge difference to their jaded midfield."