This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate is looking to beat-off his rivals in the race to sign former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton, who is available on a free this summer having been released by the Villans, according to a report on Football Insider.
The 34-year-old has a number of suitors with Rangers interested from the SPFL, while Nottingham Forest, Wigan Athletic, Hull City and Leeds United have all expressed interest in the former Scottish international.
So would Hutton prove a good signing for Boro?
We discuss.........
Ben Lang
"This seems a strange one at first glance, but I think it actually could be a shrewd move by Middlesbrough.
"Hutton does not exactly fit Woodgate's apparent vision of signing young and energetic players, but the Scotland international will be bringing plenty of experience to the Teesside outfit.
"He has played his entire career at right-back, so will surely be a reliable option whenever called upon and he would be a handy player to have in the squad.
"I think his age will limit the number of appearances he makes for the club next season, but he would be an solid player to have in the squad to compete with Ryan Shotton for the right-back slot."
George Dagless
"Perhaps.
"Will he play every game? I'm not too sure but he has good experience at this level and knows what it takes to win promotion after what he achieved with Aston Villa.
"He's player of industry and professionalism and at Aston Villa he earned himself a cult hero status and rightly so.
"I think in getting him in on a free you cannot really argue with this deal too much, it makes plenty of sense."
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Louie Chandler
"I am really not convinced it is.
"There is no denying that Hutton has his qualities. His experience would be a valuable asset to any side in the second-tier.
"However, Woodgate has carried out his summer preparations with the ambition of getting his side playing, exciting, free-flowing football and I cannot see how someone like Hutton fits into that.
"It is a system that surely requires pacy, attacking wing-backs bombing on down either flank and, whilst the Scot still has his qualities in the final third, I just don't think he is the right fit."