Ryan Shotton is set to join Australian A-League side Melbourne Victory on a free transfer, according to Football Insider.

Shotton is a free-agent after leaving Middlesbrough upon the expiry of his contract at the end of last season, and has since been on the lookout for a new club.

The 32-year-old has recently been linked with a move to Sheffield Wednesday, with Shotton discussing the idea of reuniting with Tony Pulis - a manager he worked under at Stoke City and Boro.

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Shotton is close to finding a new club, though, with the experienced defender set to move to Australia.

According to Football Insider, Shotton has agreed terms ahead of a move to Melbourne Victory, who play in the Australian A-League.

Former Middlesbrough striker Rudy Gestede is also set to join Melbourne Victory, who are managed by former Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean.

The Verdict

I think that Shotton would have been a very useful signing for Wednesday, and it would have made perfect sense given that he knows Pulis very well.

On a free transfer, he would have been a risk-free addition for the Owls, and he is a player who would have added much-needed depth to their defensive options.

It's a great move for him, though. At the age of 32, a move to Australia is a life-changing one for him, and it will be a fabulous experience for the defender.