New Norwich City boss Dean Smith wants to reunite with Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane.

The 30-year-old is wanted by Smith to aid in Norwich's relegation battle, per Football Insider.

Smith was fired by Villa and hired by Norwich within an eight-day period, and wants to make Hourihane one of his first signings in the January transfer window.

Given Hourihane is out of contract in the summer and is not indicating a preference to sign a new contract, a January sale to Norwich seems likely.

Hourihane did not always have the best of times at Villa under Smith, falling down the pecking order at Villa Park over the past two seasons.