Aston Villa confident of landing Barnsley's Conor Hourihane

ASTON VILLA manager Steve Bruce has expressed confidence that he can land Barnsley captain Conor Hourihane - and possibly wrap up the deal today.

By The Newsroom

Published 20th Jan 2017, 10:31 BST

Updated 20th Jan 2017, 10:37 BST

Barnsley's Conor Hourihane could be heading to Aston Villa as early as today, according to manager Steve Bruce.

National reports yesterday said that the Reds talisman was set for a medical in the Midlands after a fee had been agreed, but The Yorkshire Post understands that they were wide of the mark.

But progress could be made today.

Speaking ahead of the Preston game today, Bruce said he is waiting to hear back from Barnsley regarding the club’s bid to sign him.

Bruce said: “We are waiting to hear back from Barnsley today and we hope we can announce something with that today.”

Hourihane is out of contract in the summer and despite being offered fresh terms by the Reds, the Irishman has elected to keep his options open.

Sam Winnall recently joined Sheffield Wednesday, with Marc Roberts and James Bree among several Reds players who are interesting other clubs.