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Aston Villa’s reported Ahmed Elmohamady deal will boost Sheffield Wednesday’s Alan Hutton hopes

Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal (REUTERS)
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Aston Villa will have three senior right-backs if Ahmed Elmohamady arrives from Hull City – meaning Alan Hutton could benefit from moving to Wednesday.

After previous spells at Sunderland and Hull City, Ahmed Elmohamady looks set to be reunited with Steve Bruce for a third time. According to Sky Sports, Villa have activated the full-back’s release clause and he will now enter negotiations over a summer move to The Midlands.

There are few players Bruce trusts more than the long-serving Egyptian international. Despite being relegated with the manager at Hull in 2015, Elmohamady was a pillar of consistency under his Geordie gaffer and helped them return to the top flight at the first time of asking a year later.

Alexander Scholz (R) in action with Hull's Ahmed ElmohamadyElmohamady will add attacking thrust on the flanks

Yet, his is hardly a signing that gets pulses racing and a number of Villa supporters have been quick to question the move. After all, the right-back position is well stocked at Villa Park with James Bree, Alan Hutton and highly-rated youngster Easah Suliman all capable of playing in the position.

Therefore, it’s tempting to wonder whether Elmohamady’s arrival could pave the way for a departure.

According to The Sun, Sheffield Wednesday want to sign Scotland international Hutton this summer despite the 32-year-old recently inking a one-year contract extension and confirming a desire to remain in The Midlands.

The report adds that, while Wednesday hope to land him on a free, Villa would demand £1 million for his services.

And you wonder whether Bruce may be more inclined to let him go with the more attack minded Elmohamady arriving to provide further competition in claret and blue.

Aston Villa's Alan Hutton applauds the fans at the end of the matchWednesday need defensive reinforcements and Hutton would add experience

Despite a sluggish start to his Villa career after moving from Barnsley in January, 19-year-old Bree is a talented prospect and most definitely one for the future. Therefore, if Bruce was to sacrifice one right-back to make way for Elmohamady, it would be little surprise if Hutton was the man chosen.