Celtic should perhaps consider trying to capitalise on Aston Villa’s financial concerns by targeting Conor Hourihane again.
It appears that player sales is going to be a key narrative of their window. And while Steve Bruce may have a list of players that he would hope to keep, perhaps the Villa hierarchy may have to seriously consider all offers that come their way.
That should perhaps tempt Celtic to have a look at a player they reportedly wanted in 2016 as he could be a superb addition to Brendan Rodgers’ squad this summer if there was scope for a move to take place.
The Sun reported in December 2016 that the Hoops were amongst the cluster of sides keen on signing then-Barnsley talisman Conor Hourihane the following month. Ultimately however, the Republic of Ireland international would head to Villa Park in a move worth £3 million, according to the Daily Mirror.
It took Hourihane some time to get going once he had joined the Villans, but he has arguably turned into a brilliant signing and his form this past season was a key reason why Villa managed to reach the play-off final.
The 27-year-old scored 11 goals from midfield to finish the season as the side’s second highest goalscorer. In an ideal world, Bruce may want to keep him, but Celtic should certainly consider giving the Villa hierarchy something to think about this summer.
Hourihane is the kind of classy playmaker who would significantly improve what is already the best midfield in Scotland. Superb at dictating play, he could be the kind of marquee signing that could overshadow any deals that the Hoops’ potential rivals may do this summer – should Villa have any interest in selling.
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