Sunderland are eyeing Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton in a bid to throw a solid challenge in the next season. The Black Cats are preparing for life in the Championship and newly appointed Simon Grayson wants seasoned professionals for his side.
Grayson has a number of options in the right back position but the gaffer wants some more depth on the side. The 32-year-old had a pretty solid campaign in the Championship as he featured 34 times at the Midlands last season.
When Villa were in the Premier League, Hutton was severely struggling to find his feet in the top tier but Villa’s demotion to the Championship reignited his career. Hutton had a previous stint at the Stadium Of Light as he spent a significant amount of time at Sunderland in 2010.
The player arrived on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and then Sunderland manager Steve Bruce had tried to sign him permanently but the club wasn’t ready to meet Spurs’ asking fee.
Hutton somewhat made his mark at Sunderland and he went on to join Villa where he reached a new level in his playing career. The 32-year-old has made more than 130 appearances for Villa but his position in the team will be increasingly vulnerable next season.
Villa currently have James Bree and Ritchie De Laet as options in the right back spot and the addition of Ahmed Elmohamady would also throw in further challenges for him. Predominantly a midfielder, the new recruit can fill in at the right back position so Hutton needs to be at his peak to feature in the starting lineup regularly.
Similarly, Sunderland currently boast of options in the right back section but Grayson wants an experienced head to lead them in the Championship and Hutton could be that one. The 32-year-old defender is very familiar with the Championship and could lend his helping hand to the Black Cats in guiding them back to the Premier League.
Sheffield Wednesday are also aiming to add him to their squad. The Owls are very determined to do well in the Championship next season and will give a tough competition to the Black Cats.
Following his impressive performance last season, Villa extended his contract by a year. But the Championship club needs to balance their books after the arrival of a number of players and Hutton might face the sack if the club receives a suitable offer.
It would be an emotional good bye for the player who has been attached to the club for the last six years.
