Alan Hutton has been in stellar form for Aston Villa this season, but it appears that his future is elsewhere.
Manager Steve Bruce recently revealed that Financial Fair Play rules mean that the club are not in a position to offer the right-back a new contract, reports the Birmingham Mail.
The publication states that Hutton recently approached the club about extending his current deal, which expires at the end of the season.
However, he was met with the news that there is no possible way at the moment for the club to give him what he wants.
The situation could change if the Villans earn promotion to the Premier League come May, but if they remain in the Championship then Hutton will be released.
As it stands, the Midlands outfit are third in the league table, one point adrift of an automatic move to the top tier.
Hutton, who has started 16 of the club’s last 18 Championship games, joined Villa in 2011 from Tottenham Hotspur.
Fans have been tweeting their thoughts on the predicament.
Alan Hutton isn't even a conversation. 🙄 He turns 34 next season. Despite his efforts this season, he's not a PL fullback now. If you want Villa to progress, they have to look ahead and get better (and younger) players. #AVFC
— MY OLD MAN SAID (@oldmansaid) February 1, 2018
Promoted , then totally no point him signing , missout id give him a 1 year , Bigger Question is will JT play on if we go up , Chelsea Man playing for another team in the prem ?? Feel he chose EFL as not to go look against Chelsea
— SteveLawrence (@Bigman0706) February 1, 2018
He's been here for long enough and he's not exactly achieved anything. Why should we haemorrhage more money on a 34 y/o just because he runs around a lot. The future of Villa is our academy and scouts watching younger players – not him
— Richard Franks (@richardpfranks) February 1, 2018
We're not up yet
— Patrick (@TheVillaaa) February 1, 2018
I bet you were sceptical of JT to? Tbh I was, but how we as a club have treated Hutton over the years is nothing short of shocking. Bomb squad to first name on the team sheet! Got nothing but respect for the guy. Let’s not forget where we’ve come from
— Paul (@VILL4HARDCORE) February 1, 2018
My worry is Bree coming in as he is lightweight at best and De Laet shown absolutely nothing since he arrived . Hutton is not the answer going forward but neither are the other two # Avfc
— Grant (@Foxbrow1) February 1, 2018
Agreed but the timing is terrible
— The Trappist Punks (@trappistpunks) February 1, 2018
I like him but he is a cult hero and sometimes that is not a good thing. i wish him well for where ever he goes next. you are right we need to move on. #avfc
— Fred (@fred_fre) February 2, 2018
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