Steve Bruce plays down Conor Hourihane speculation

Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has played down suggestions that Conor Hourihane could leave Villa Park in the January transfer window.

Hourihane, 26, has scored five times in 10 Championship appearances for Villa during the 2017-18 campaign.

Brighton & Hove Albion have been credited with an interest in the two-time Republic of Ireland international, but Bruce has insisted that Seagulls boss Chris Hughton has not mentioned the midfielder in any previous conversation.

"I only spoke to Chris Hughton a week ago and he didn't mention anything about Conor and why would he now?" Bruce told reporters. "He's got other things to worry about like most of us have rather than the transfer window. Nobody will leave unless it's ridiculous sums of money."

Villa have won their last four in the Championship to rise into seventh position in the table.