Conor Hourihane confirms Aston Villa decision and makes Sheffield United admission over future

Conor Hourihane says he would be interested in turning his Sheffield United loan move into a permanent switch after having it now officially confirmed by parent club Aston Villa that they will not be renewing his contract. That news won't have come as too much of a shock having also spent the second half of last season on loan at Swansea.

He cut a frustrated figure in the early part of this campaign under Slavisa Jokanovic and was a bit-part player but was given a new lease of life under Paul Heckingbottom. The pair have worked together before at Barnsley when promoted from League One via the play-offs, something Sheffield United fans will be hoping could serve as an omen as they look to do the same here.

Hourihane admires the Blades boss as both a 'person and a manager' and admits he would be open to the idea of joining in the summer when he becomes a free agent. Now 31 and still an international with the Republic of Ireland, the midfielder, who scored his first goal in a red and white shirt against QPR last time out, believes he still has plenty to offer.

However, for now he says his focus is on helping United achieve their goal of a top six finish.

"Yeah, I have had it confirmed [by Aston Villa]," he told Yorkshire Live. "I am open to whatever comes my way. I've enjoyed my season here and I have known Hecky from previous. Very fond of him as a person and a manager.

"We will just wait and see on that. It's not about me thinking about my time now, it's about thinking for the weekend first.

"I would be open to it. I have enjoyed my time here, it's been an up and down season for myself. I didn't play as much at the start and then played a bit when Hecky took over but not played as much as I would have liked recently.

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