James Bree has barely featured for Aston Villa, but that could change if they sell Alan Hutton to Championship rivals Middlesbrough.
Though Alan Hutton will never be a universal fans favourite at Villa Park, the Scotland international has been one of the more consistent members of Steve Bruce’s side over the last 12 months.
So much so that James Bree, who arrived from Barnsley with big expectations in the January 2017 transfer window, has barely had a look in so far. But will that be about to change any time soon?
Possibly, with Hutton being linked with a shock move away from Aston Villa. According to The Mirror (live transfer blog, 08.45am), Championship rivals Middlesbrough are keen on the former Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur full-back.
Hutton’s vast experience in the top two tiers of English football will be valued highly be newly appointed Boro boss Tony Pulis, who is known for preferring his full-backs to defend first and attack as an afterthought.
It remains to be seen, however, whether Villa would consider letting Hutton go. He is 33 years of age and Villa do need to sell in order to raise funds for January additions. But the Scot has been one of the first names on Steve Bruce’s team sheet this season, starting 16 Championship games, and the prospect of the club letting him leave midway through the campaign looks unlikely.
Nonetheless, if there is anyone who would be happy to see Hutton go, it is Bree. The 20-year-old has been restricted to just three Championship appearances all season, just one of those coming from the start.
And while Bree has made a few untimely errors in his odd appearance in the starting XI, a young player cannot really be expected to be immediately at his best when he tends to play once every month.
Bree has been waiting patiently for an opportunity to prove his worth and Hutton’s exit would certainly improve his chances of forcing his way into Bruce’s plans.
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