Aston Villa are hoping to sign Barnsley midfielder Conor Hourihane.
Leeds United travel to Barnsley this weekend and may be playing their Yorkshire rivals at just the right time.
The Tykes have this week lost star striker Sam Winnall to Sheffield Wednesday, and now Aston Villa look set to sign another of their star players.
Conor Hourihane is on the verge of a move to Villa, with the Daily Mail reporting that a bid has been accepted.
Conor Hourihane celebrates scoring for Barnsley
This will effectively rule him out of this weekend’s match between Barnsley and Leeds United, and Villa could even seal a deal within 24 hours, with a medical scheduled.
| Team | Assists | Goals | Appearances | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conor Hourihane | Barnsley | 11 | 5 | 24 | 2,160 |
Hourihane has been outstanding this season, directly contributing to 16 of Barnsley’s 43 goals they have scored this season, 37 per cent.
With Leeds having played Villa twice already, drawing one and winning one, they will not have to face Hourihane again this season if he seals his move.
Barnsley’s Conor Hourihane celebrates after winning the Sky Bet Football League One Play-Off Final
It is a timely boost for the Whites who are missing star defenders Pontus Jansson and Charlie Taylor through suspension and injury.
The away fixture is still likely to be a tricky one with Barnsley just 10 points behind them, but Villa have potentially made it a lot easier for them.
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