Swansea City are edging closer to securing the loan signing of Conor Hourihane after the player agreed to move to south Wales for the remainder of the season.
The Republic of Ireland has had precious little game time for Villa this term, playing just four times in the Premier League.
Speaking ahead of his side's clash with Man City, Dean Smith confirmed he had held talks with the 29-year-old over his lack of game time.
And WalesOnline understands Swansea have pipped a number of over clubs to secure the loan signing of Hourihane.
Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough are among those credited with showing an interest in the experienced midfielder.
But Hourihane is now expected to join Swansea ahead of their FA Cup fourth round clash with Nottingham Forest at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking about Hourihane in a press conference on Tuesday morning, Smith said: "Personally I'd like Conor to stay but Conor's come to see me a few times and intimated that he wants to play football games, which is one of the reasons why I love Conor so much.
"He's never happy when he's not playing games and he's intimated to me that he wants to go out and play games.
"We'll look at the possibility of clubs. It's got to be right for the football club and for Conor as well to go and play games.
"But it would be a loan until the end of the season, get him back playing and get him back to us."
It comes as Swansea also look to complete the loan signing of Jordan Morris from Seattle Sounders having already brought in goalkeeper Ben Hamer from Huddersfield Town this month.
Meanwhile, the Swans' Championship clash with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
A date for the rearranged fixture will be announced in due course.
