Conor Hourihane has been heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa, and it appears that the path is about to be left clear for a switch.
It seems that Conor Hourihane’s move from Barnsley to Aston Villa may have moved one step closer as The Irish Sun reports that the Tykes have lined up a potential replacement.
According to The Irish Sun, Leicester City plan to loan Matty James out this month in an attempt to build his fitness following a significant spell on the sidelines – he has not started a game for the Foxes’ first-team since May 2015 – and Barnsley are preparing an offer for the 25-year-old.
Leicester City’s Matty James
Should that deal go ahead, it could prove hugely significant to Aston Villa’s transfer plans as The Irish Sun suggests that James is being earmarked as a replacement for the Tykes’ influential captain, who appears destined to join Villa this month.
The Birmingham Mail recently reported that Hourihane’s move to Villa Park was expected to be completed this week after the Villans had representatives in attendance for Barnsley’s victory over Leeds at the weekend.
Conor Hourihane celebrates scoring for Barnsley
And if the representatives were waiting to see if the Irishman could turn in another performance of the highest quality before giving the deal their approval, they would have no doubt been impressed as Hourihane shone, once again, and inspired his team to the victory. A stunning free-kick against the Whites demonstrated just how much quality he possesses.
And while Paul Heckingbottom may simply be looking to bolster his options with the acquisition of James, it would certainly appear, as The Irish Sun suggested, that Barnsley are preparing for life without their skipper.
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