Aston Villa are looking to Preston North End right-back Darnell Fisher to replace Alan Hutton in this summer’s transfer window, according to reports.

According to the Express and Star, Villa will be attempting to sign the 24-year-old, with the hope they can offer the defender a chance to play in the Premier League next season.

Steve Bruce’s side face Fulham in this season's Championship play-off final next weekend, with a chance of gaining a place in England’s top flight next season.

Darnell Fisher still has two years left on his current contract, and with speculation about a possible move away from Deepdale, Preston are reportedly prepared to offer the young defender a year extension and a pay rise to ward away any potential suitors.

Fisher made 35 appearances for the Lilywhites across all competitions this season, seeing them finish seventh in the Championship, just two points short of the play-off places.

The Verdict

Darnell Fisher is certainly going to receive a lot of interest this summer after a very impressive campaign for Preston, and if Aston Villa make it to the Premier League, it will be hard for Alex Neil to keep hold of his star player.

Aston Villa have done well with starting right-back Alan Hutton, but the veteran may not be cut out for the pace of the Premier League, making Fisher the perfect candidate to replace him next season.