Middlesbrough are reportedly in talks to sign in-demand free agent defender Alan Hutton.

The 34-year-old left Aston Villa this summer and there has been a number of sides understood to be interested in his signature, including Rangers, Hull City, and Nottingham Forest.

It appears Boro, under new boss Jonathan Woodgate, have now joined that list.

According to Football Insider, the North East club are in talks with the right-back over a potential deal as they look to blow away the competition.

Woodgate is thought to be a big admirer of Hutton after the duo played together at Tottenham Hotspur.

Hutton played an important role in Aston Villa’s push for promotion last season, making 34 appearances despite missing part of the season due to a hamstring injury.

The Scottish international is a hugely experienced defender, having made 151 Premier League appearances and featured 112 times in the Championship.

Boro may have switched their focus to Hutton after reportedly having seen their approaches for Charlton Athletic’s Anfernee Dijksteel rejected. 

The Teessiders will be pushing for promotion again this season after finishing one place outside the top-six in the 2018/19 campaign and may feel that the addition of Hutton could help them get over the line.

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The Verdict

Hutton would be a great signing for Boro if they can win the race for him ahead of some tough competition.

Woodgate is in dire need of adding defensive reinforcements, with just five defenders currently in his senior squad.

The right-back is extremely experienced and proved last year with Villa that despite his age he is still capable of thriving at the top of the Championship.

As a free agent, his arrival shouldn’t cost a huge amount and would leave Woodgate with some funds to spend elsewhere before the transfer window closes.