Conor Hourihane has been linked with a number of clubs this month. That's no surprise. The Corkman has put in some superb performances for Barnsley this season.
His stats speak for themselves. In 23 Championship games, he has 11 assists, four more than anyone else in the league. He has also scored five goals.
Stats site WhoScored.com ranks the 25-year-old as the second best player in the Championship this season, just behind Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk. Hourihane is even ahead of Anthony Knockaert, a player of Premier League quality.
Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa have all been linked with moves for Hourihane this month.
What makes Hourihane so appealing as a January signing, apart from his form, is him being out of contract this summer. His price tag has been lowered as a result.
Sheffield Wednesday are the latest side to be linked with a move. Their interest would appear to be more firm than others. According to BBC Radio Sheffield's Jonathan Buchan, Wednesday are in talks with Barnsley regarding Hourihane and a bid of £1 million has been tabled.
Reliably informed fee of around £1mill on table from #SWFC for #Barnsleyfc Conor Hourihane. Talks ongoing. Could be done in coming days 1/2
— Jonathan Buchan (@jonathanbuchan) January 12, 2017
Steve Bruce at #AVFC also interested in #Barnsleyfc Hourihane and may make late move to challenge #SWFC bid. 2/2
— Jonathan Buchan (@jonathanbuchan) January 12, 2017
Barnsley's conundrum is whether to cash in on Hourihane now or retain his services until the end of the season. Hourihane must also wonder if he would be better off waiting until the summer to move - when he becomes a free agent - and could possibly be in a position to negotiate a more lucrative contract.
Though Sheffield Wednesday are just two places and four points above Barnsley in the Championship table, they are much more live contenders for promotion than Hourihane's current club.
Wednesday are sixth in the table, currently occupying the final playoff position. Last season, Carlos Carvahal's side made the playoff final, where they lost out to Hull.
