Brighton and Hove Albion are interested in signing Conor Hourihane from Aston Villa this summer, according to reliable journalist, Alan Nixon.

Chris Hughton is looking to strengthen his Brighton side after a difficult start to their Premier League debut, and is keen to add Hourihane to his armoury, but any potential deal is now complicated.

Hourihane was struggling to break into Steve Bruce’s starting XI during the early part of the 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship season, but has scored four goals in two appearances since his recall, with Villa now keen to keep hold of him.

The Irish midfielder scored a hat-trick in Villa’s 4-2 victory over Norwich City at the weekend, which set Bruce’s side up for their first Championship victory of the season.

That hat-trick added to the consolation goal Hourihane struck in the defeat to Reading the previous week.

Hourihane has established himself as one of the Championship’s best goalscoring midfielders over the last year, first of all for Barnsley and then Aston Villa.

The 26-year-old scored six goals for Barnsley during the first-half of last season, before Bruce and Villa moved to take him to the Midlands during the January transfer window.

Since his arrival at Villa Park, Hourihane has made 21 appearances for Villa, scoring five goals.

The Verdict

It appears that if Brighton had pressed their interest in Hourihane earlier this month, they could have made a breakthrough, but the midfielder’s latest form means it will be hard for Villa to let him leave.

Hourihane’s return to the Villa fold has helped Bruce’s side improve significantly, with the Villains recording their first victory of the season thanks to the midfielder’s performance.

Villa will not want to lose Hourihane, but with possible financial punishment, if a significant bid came their way, they might be tempted to sell.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!