Norwich City are said to be interested to in signing Sheffield United loanee Conor Hourihane, as per a recent report by Football Insider.

The 30-year-old is currently on loan at Bramall Lane from his parent side Aston Villa and could well consider his options come January as his contract at Villa Park continues to run down towards expiry in the summer of next year.

Hourihane has only featured on eight occasions for the Blades so far and could well be keen on a move to Carrow Road in order to link up with his former Villa boss, Dean Smith, who just took over the top job at the Norfolk club.

The departure of the midfielder would certainly give Sheffield United quite a lot to think about if he chooses to leave in the new year.

Here, we take a look at TWO knock-on effects at Bramall Lane if Norwich City clinch a transfer agreement for Hourihane...

Another chance for Slater?

Regan Slater has been out of favour since returning to the club over the summer but could well force his way back into Slavisa Jokanovic's plans if Hourihane departs in the new year.

The 22-year-old previously looked like he would be heading to his former loan club Hull City on a permanent deal until injury scuppered the move.

Since then the midfielder hasn't made a senior appearance for the Blades this term.

With Hourihane potentially on the move, there could well be room for Slater to stake a claim for a recall to the first team moving forwards.

Wages to be freed up

Assuming that Sheffield United are paying a portion of Hourihane's wages, it would be fair to assume that some funds would be freed up if he was to return to Villa Park.

This could in turn allow the Blades to use the money that is made available to bring in another loanee as Jokanovic looks to strengthen in other areas.

The club are well known to want to sign an out and out winger and this potential turn of events could well allow them to do just that in the new year.

Hourihane's departure could certainly open up a lot of doors for the Blades in the winter market.