Alan Hutton to begin contract talks after playoff final
Talks between Aston Villa and Alan Hutton regarding a new contract for the player will commence after the conclusion of Saturday’s playoff final.
The Mirror report that Hutton will be offered new terms with his current deal expiring at the end of next month.
The 33-year-old has spent most of his career at right-back but has recently shown his versatility by playing on the other side of the defence.
Hutton has made 28 appearances in the Championship this season, despite being told by boss Steve Bruce that he could leave the club in January.
Villa play Fulham at Wembley on Saturday for the richest prize in football, a place in next year’s Premier League.
The two sides were seperated by five points at the end of the 46-match season, and Villa overcame Middlesbrough by an aggregate score of 1-0 to reach the final.
Hutton is keen to stay at Villa Park, but the delay in offering him new terms has alerted other clubs to the avalability of the defender.
However, Bruce said:
I can confirm we will be talking to him next week, whichever division we are in. He deserves it. Playing left back has probably enhanced him a bit. It’s slowed him down a bit, he has to come back on his right foot to play. He is everything that I enjoy in a player. He gives you everything he’s got. At nearly 34 years old he is quite magnificent in terms of his fitness.