Alan Hutton is reportedly wanted by Nottingham Forest and Wigan Athletic following his release by Aston Villa, at the end of the 2018/19 campaign.

The Scot made 34 appearances for the Villans last season, playing in every area of defence, and playing his part in helping Dean Smith's side make a long-awaited return to the Premier League.

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But upon the expiry of his contract at Villa Park, Football Insider claims that Wigan are in advanced talks to sign the right-back, with The Sun also claiming that Forest are heavily interested.

The defender is no stranger to those at the City Ground, after playing seven times for the East Midlands club whilst on loan from Villa in the 2012/13 campaign.

Forest are yet to sign anyone this summer, as Martin O'Neill looks to go one step further in guiding Forest into the Premier League next season.

Here, though, we take a look at two pros and two cons to Forest making Hutton their first signing of the summer...

Pro - Experience

Having played in the Premier League and made well over 400 appearances in his career, Hutton has been there and done it, and he knows what it takes to be successful at this level.

The Reds have plenty of young players coming through the ranks at the City Ground, and even though he may not play in the same position as the likes of Ryan Yates and Arvin Appiah, the knowledge and guidance he would provide them with would be beneficial.

Pro - Room for investment elsewhere

Of course, if Hutton were to sign, then it would be on a free transfer having been let go by Villa following the expiry of his contract.

Forest need to make plenty of reinforcements elsewhere, and with this potential deal, they would be getting a vastly experienced player for a bargain price, with the option to go out and invest in other areas of the pitch.

Con - No Sam Byram?

Byram really stood out for Forest in the final league games of the season, and you could see his Premier League quality when he played for O'Neill's side.

But if the club did go and sign Hutton, then this would surely decrease their chances of signing Byram, with Tendayi Darikwa still on the club's books.

Byram may well still be a target, but signing a player like Hutton suggests otherwise.

Con - Potential fan uproar

Martin O'Neill needs the fans on his side ahead of next season, as so far, he has failed to get everyone on board.

His appointment certainly raised eyebrows when he replaced Karanka last season, and after seeing them drop out of contention of finishing in the play-offs, a majority of fans still want a new manager in place.

A lot is said about age and experience in football, but the signing of a 34-year-old on a free transfer is hardly inspiring to many, as they want to see the club being ambitious in their quest for top-flight football next term.