On loan Sheffield United midfielder Conor Hourihane faces summer of uncertainty amid fresh transfer talk

On loan Sheffield United midfielder Conor Hourihane is facing a potential summer of uncertainty with no fresh contract talks tabled with current club Aston Villa. The 31-year-old has so far featured 25 times for the Blades this season.

An obvious favourite for current United boss Paul Heckingbottom, Irish international Hourihane has been kept in the quiet about what lies next with his current deal with the Villans set to expire in May. Posing vast experience at this level, the former Barnsley man was part of the Villa squad that won promotion to the Premier League back in 2019.

But with a potential exit on the cards from Villa Park this summer for the 31-year-old, Hourihane has reflected on what perhaps lies next with only a matter of games remaining before the end of the 21/22 campaign.

“That Villa chapter is probably done,” he began when speaking to media yesterday afternoon. There’s been nothing, to be honest with you. No conversations there so we’ll see what happens in the summer.”

Having been as previously mentioned a mainstay for the Blades since Heckingbottom's introduction this season, it is worth noting the impact the midfielder does have whilst on the pitch. United are by far a better side when the former Plymouth Argyle man plays, having only tasted defeated five times when he features.

Always striving to give his best, Hourihane insists he will continue to do so until his loan deal expires with the Blades later this year. “When I went on loan for the season with Sheffield United, I wanted to do well,” he began.

“Since the new manager has come in, I felt I’ve played well under him. We had a previous relationship at Barnsley and I’ve been in the team. We’re on a good run and are up to fifth in the table.

“I’ve