Aston Villa could reportedly have decisions to make on Conor Hourihane and Keinan Davis this summer amid interest from the Championship in the duo.
With our pre-season schedule set to get underway on Wednesday, Dean Smith and the hierarchy will continue to have decisions to make in the transfer market.
READ MORE: Five things to look out for in Aston Villa’s five-game pre-season schedule
Hourihane decision needed by Villa
Hourihane, 30, spent last season on loan at Swansea City as his chances of regular football at Villa declined, and it appears as though he could face a similar issue this year.
With one year remaining on his contract, a decision will likely be needed on his future this summer, and as per The Athletic, both Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion have shown an interest in the Irish midfielder.
Given the influence and impact he has had for us over the years, it would be a boost if he were to stay and offer depth in midfield as we look to try and stay competitive across domestic competitions this year.
That said, he’ll no doubt want to play regularly again this season and will not be satisfied with a fringe role off the bench, and so time will tell if either of the two clubs named above can convince him to make the move back down to the Championship again.
Further, if an agreement does materialise, Villa will need to decide whether or not to loan him out again for another year, which could involve a contract extension to avoid losing him for nothing next summer, or they could simply look to secure a permanent transfer.
Davis loan exit could be sensible from Villa
As also noted by the Athletic in their report above, Davis is said to be in high demand this summer with up to nine Championship sides looking at a possible loan move.
With two goals and two assists in 18 appearances last season in 442 minutes played, Davis showed that he can make a positive impact off the bench and change games by giving us a different look up front.
That said, with Wesley coming back from injury and Ollie Watkins continuing as our first choice striker to lead the line, opportunities will continue to be limited for him.
In turn, a loan move could be the smart strategy for all parties concerned, giving the 23-year-old a chance to play regularly elsewhere and develop his game, particularly his goals tally as that is a specific area where he must improve if he is to have a long-term future at Villa.