The Express and Star reporter Luke Hatfield expects midfielder Connor Hourihane to leave Aston Villa before the window closes.

Hourihane joined from Barnsley more than four years ago and proved key in Villa's promotion back to the Premier League – contributing to 19 goals in the 2018-2019 campaign as Dean Smith's side were successful through the play-offs.

He continued his excellent goalscoring form in the topflight, netting seven goals in all competitions, whilst chipping in with five assists as Villa avoided relegation at West Ham on the final day.

However, the arrival of Ross Barkley on loan from Chelsea last summer saw Hourihane restricted to just a handful of Premier League appearances before Christmas.

Such was Hourihane's frustrations, he dropped back into the Championship – joining Swansea on loan for the remainder of the campaign in January and scored five goals in 22 outings as the Welsh outfit reached the play-off final.

Hourihane returned to the frame at Villa this summer and was involved against Newcastle, although he was an unused substitute.

With that in mind, Hatfield told The Transfer Tavern that he expects the 30-year-old to be moved on before Tuesday's deadline:

"There will be a few at Villa that will probably head out. Connor Hourihane is one, he's almost certain to head out on loan.

"He won't see any first-team opportunities for Villa barring loads or suspensions of injuries. He's a great player, particularly at Championship level, so I can imagine there will be a Championship club keep on him."