According to the latest rumblings in the rumour mill, Middlesbrough are strongly considering a summer move for Aston Villa veteran, Alan Hutton. The 33-year-old will be out of a contract after this season and it is highly unlikely that the Villans will give him an extension. They are facing heavy financial restrictions with the overstacked squad they currently have and a number of players including Hutton are expected to be let go following the campaign.
Steve Bruce’s side are looking towards a promotion battle following a top-six finish in the Championship and Hutton has long been out of his plans. The Villa manager has found able replacements in Manchester United’s on-loan youngster, Axel Tuanzebe and Ahmed Elmohamady.
Hutton is one of the veterans of the English game having spent the majority of his playing career in the country. He started his career with Scottish Premiership outfit, Rangers and was later signed up by Tottenham Hotspur. He made 66 total appearances for the North London club before being traded off to Aston Villa in the summer of 2011.
Hutton’s early engagement with the Birmingham based club was not the most illustrious. He had to fight his way for team selection by spending three loan spells with Nottingham Forest, Mallorca and Bolton Wanderers.
However, he did get his first break in the preseason games of 2014-15 seasons and later established himself as the first choice right back in the Premier League. He racked up over 150 appearances for the Championship outfit and has been capped 50 times for Scotland.
Hutton has proved to be a reliable boy who will do the dutiful on a nightly basis. He is one of the old school fullbacks who have a lot of defensive quality but not a lot going forward.
In the modern game that might be a shortcoming but if anything Hutton is capable of adaptability. His age is only the concerning factor hear, especially the loss of athletic abilities which wingers always look to exploit. However, the Scotsman can prove to be a brilliant rotational option and a leader’s in the club’s dressing room.
Boro could do with a senior head who has experience in the top-two divisions of English football. Tony Pulis’ side are trying to squeeze their way into the playoffs as well and if they do end up in the top-division next season, they will need Hutton more than ever.
The Premier League brings with it a host of challenges and a solid defensive output is the only way to resist elite competition.
