Exclusive: Hutton reacts as ‘Massive club’ set sights on ‘Outstanding’ Villa forgotten man
Alan Hutton has suggested that forgotten Aston Villa man Orjan Nyland may be tempted by a move to a “massive” club like Besiktas in the summer.
The former Villa and Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, admits the “outstanding” shot-stopper could be looking for regular first-team football.
Turkish publication Fanatik report that Besiktas have identified the 29-year-old as a potential replacement for Loris Karius for when the German returns to Liverpool after his loan spell.
Hutton admits that Nyland’s lack of playing time behind both Tom Heaton and Pepe Reina could see his head turned, insisting he has proven himself as an “outstanding” keeper.
“It’s been a strange position over the years now, there’s been a lot of ins and outs,” Hutton told Football Insider.
“Jed Steer was ruled out with a serious injury, Nyland last season got a serious injury. Do you know what? I think he’s done excellent.
“For what’s happened he’s been knocked down the pecking order but he’s come on, especially in the cup games, and been outstanding. He’s still a young guy but as a goalkeeper, I think at that age, you want to be playing week in, week out.
“I’ve seen it’s Besiktas who are interested – a massive club, they play in Europe so will his head be turned? Possibly. There’s obviously goalkeepers in front of him so it’s a big choice to make.
“I do think he’s got all the qualities to be a number one at Villa but it’s whether he’s willing to wait around and get the opportunity.”
Nyland started the 2018/19 campaign as Villa’s first-choice keeper but has struggled for game time since returning from a serious injury, with just eight appearances this season.
In other Aston Villa news, Darren Bent admits he is surprised after a training ground reveal.