Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that contract negotiations with Alan Hutton will commence after the play-off final has taken place, The Birmingham Mail is reporting.

Bruce has revealed that regardless of whether Aston Villa win promotion or stay down, they will start talks over a new deal for Hutton.

Aston Villa face Fulham on Saturday in the Championship play-off final, having beaten Middlesbrough 1-0 over two legs in the semi-finals.

It is a high stake game with a coveted place in the Premier League to play for.

One player who has played a major part in Aston Villa's route to Wembley is right-back Hutton and Bruce has been impressed with his performances to the point where he is willing to extend his contract.

Hutton is out-of-contract this summer and could become available on a free transfer if Aston Villa do not reward him with a new deal, but Bruce is determined not to let that happen.

Bruce said: “I can confirm to you now we will be talking to him next week, whichever division we are in. He deserves it.”

The 33-year-old has shown his experience this season, playing 32 games and turning in consistent displays.

The 50-cap former Scotland international could now be set to extend his seven-year stay at Villa Park.

The Verdict

Hutton has been excellent in recent weeks, especially when he did an eye-catching one-on-one job to nullify the threat of Middlesbrough's Adama Traore in the semi-finals.

With age, Hutton is just growing in experience and maturity and he deserves a new deal.

If he is in the Premier League, they may need another right-back to compete with him but in the Championship, Hutton as first-choice with James Bree as a back-up sounds quite positive.

Aston Villa fans - Would you like to see Hutton given a new deal? Let us know below...