Ahmed Elmohamady hoping Robert Snodgrass keeps Aston Villa laughing

Snodgrass, currently on a season-long loan from West Ham, has been in sublime form of late, his assist for Scott Hogan’s winner at Nottingham Forest last Saturday taking his tally to seven for the campaign.

The Scotland international has also scored five times himself and Elmohamady, who played alongside Snodgrass when Hull won promotion in 2016, revealed how his influence extends beyond the pitch.

“Snoddy is one of the funniest people you will ever meet in your life,” said Elmohamady. I have known him for a long time and he is great. All the lads love him.

“You maybe can’t see it on the field but in the dressing room he is a different man. He is always joking. Having banter with people. He is in great form. Hopefully he can keep going.”

Elmohamady acknowledged Villa’s chances of snaring Snodgrass on a permanent deal next summer will rest on winning promotion to the Premier League.

“Hopefully we can go up and get him signed,” he said.

Villa have meanwhile been given encouragement in their pursuit of Manchester United starlet Axel Tuanzebe.

Boss Steve Bruce wants to sign the 20-year-old defender on loan for Championship run-in.

And having last week hinted he would wait until the end of the month before making a decision, United boss Jose Mourinho has now suggested he will allow Tuanzebe to depart Old Trafford.

“Axel is the only one that I open the door for him to go and play because I believe he is a really good talent and he needs to play,” said Mourinho.