West Brom could make former Aston Villa player Alan Hutton their first signing of the summer, according to The Sun on Sunday [30/06, p.59].

However, they face fierce competition from Wigan and Nottingham Forest, with The Latics believed to have already agreed a deal with the former Scotland international.

Right-back is a key area which needs strengthening after Mason Holgate returned to Everton following a successful loan spell.

Craig Dawson was also able to fill in at that position but he has now joined Watford, leaving Allan Nyom as the only natural right-back in the first-team - and he was unfavoured last season, going out on loan to Leganes.

The news that the club is interested in Hutton should be quite welcome. Although he may be an uninspiring addition, he is a very dependable defender at Championship level, and he has impressed for Villa over the previous three years.

Despite now being 34, he is as fit as ever and is able to get up and down the touchline quickly, as he has always done. He made 34 appearances in a Villa side which gained promotion last year, and his experience and know-how is exactly what West Brom need.

Slaven Bilic will need leaders on the field, players who can ensure his instructions are carried through whatever the circumstances. Hutton will prove vital in that regard, and he should be a positive effect on his team-mates on and off the field.

Last season West Brom conceded the joint-most of any team in the top-half of the table, which is alarming for a team which was challenging for the automatic places for most of the season.

Improving the side defensively should, therefore, be a priority for Bilic, and Hutton joining would be the first step towards that. He is a full-back who is better suited to the defensive side of his game, and although he will support his winger his focus is primarily on keep a defensive shape and not conceding.

West Brom fans can expect a consistent performer who always gives his all. They need consistency if they are to sustain a promotion challenge next season and although its a signing which won't fill them with excitement, in a year's time they will likely look back on Hutton as a great bit of business.