Barnsley midfielder Conor Hourihane has commented on his future.
Conor Hourihane celebrates scoring for Barnsley
Barnsley midfielder Conor Hourihane has told Radio Yorkshire that talks are ongoing over a new contract with the club amid speculation over his future.
Tykes captain Hourihane has been a star for the club ever since signing from League Two side Plymouth Argyle in the summer of 2014, having established himself as one of the top goalscoring midfielders in the Football League.
14 goals in his first season at Oakwell was a remarkable return for the Irishman, and he grabbed 11 goals from midfield last term as he led the club to promotion from League One.
Hourihane has impressed in the Championship, and whilst his goal record isn’t quite as impressive with just three goals in 15 games, he’s been one of Paul Heckingbottom’s most important players this term.
Barnsley’s Conor Hourihane celebrates after winning the Sky Bet Football League One Play-Off Final
The problem for Barnsley is that Hourihane’s contract comes to an end next summer, and clubs appear to be lining up to try and lure the midfielder away from Yorkshire.
The Scottish Sun reported earlier this season that Aston Villa, Celtic and Rangers are all keen on Hourihane, given that they can land him for free in 2017, leaving Barnsley to scramble over their skipper’s future.
Hourihane even supports Celtic, and The Sun more recently claimed that manager Brendan Rodgers had ordered reports from his staff on the 25-year-old over a possible move to sign him.
Barnsley’s Conor Hourihane celebrates with the trophy after winning the Sky Bet Football League One Play-Off Final
Hourihane has now tackled the subject of his future, telling Radio Yorkshire that talks over a new contract are underway, though his focus will remain on trying to win games with Barnsley.
“I knew the talks would start sooner rather than later and they have, there’s a long season to go but that will come to the table when it needs to come to the table,” said Hourihane. “First and foremost we need to keep winning games for the club and cement our Championship place but we’re both positive, lets see where it takes us, but the talks are ongoing,” he added.
Whether Villa’s interest remains following Steve Bruce’s arrival as manager remains to be seen, but a move to Celtic would be a dream for the player. Brendan Rodgers has a number of midfielders at his disposal already, but Hourihane would bring more goals to the Celtic midfield, and being able to land him on a free would also be appealing to the Bhoys.
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