The Sheffield Wednesday midfielder began his professional career at Aston Villa.
Barry Bannan has responded to reports linking the Sheffield Wednesday midfielder with a return to Aston Villa.
According to the Mirror, the new Villa manager Dean Smith is preparing an £8 million January approach for Bannan, who began his career at Villa Park and continues to reside in Birmingham.
And speaking to the Times this weekend, the Scot revealed he is aware of the speculation.
“Villa-fan mates brought it to my attention,” explained Bannan, who admitted the Villans are a club that remains “close to my heart”.
“But while it’s better to be talked about than not, I honestly don’t know where it’s come from.
“I’m a big believer in loyalty and when you’ve got a fanbase who love me as much as Wednesday’s, it’s hard to think about leaving. That love makes it easy to stay.
“I’m not sure why they love me so, but they know I give everything and, like everyone in my family I’m a really bad loser: I even hate losing to my little niece at one of her games.”
Sheffield Wednesday tied Bannan to a new three-year contract as recently as August, although recent Financial Fair Play issues see the Owls cash in on key players.
The 28-year-old has been one of Wednesday’s most consistent performers since his 2015 move to Hillsborough.
Bannan spent nearly a decade on Aston Villa’s books after being plucked from Celtic’s youth system, but left to join Crystal Palace five years ago.
Could Aston Villa lure Bannan back from Sheffield Wednesday?
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