Exclusive: Hutton touts new Aston Villa attacker signing after Smith green light
Aston Villa may look to sign a new centre-forward to allow Keinan Davis to head out on loan this month, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Villa defender and adopted supporter of the club, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, has admitted there are several factors, including the prospective return of Wesley Moraes, which will determine the 22-year-old's immediate future.
Football Insider broke the news last month that Villa boss Dean Smith has given the green light for Davis going on loan once Wesley is fit amid interest from Preston North End, Huddersfield Town and QPR.
Meanwhile, long-term absentee Wesley is set to return to step up his recovery from a knee ligament injury by taking part in non-contact training with his teammates.
Hutton believes that the Brazilian's potential return, as well as a potential new recruit, could determine whether Davis is at Villa Park past the end of January.
Asked if the young striker's future would be determined by Wesley's fitness, Hutton told Football Insider: "I think so. If you look at the previous games, we know Ollie Watkins hasn't scored in what is it, seven games or whatever, but what he does for the team I think is brilliant.
"The person who then comes on is Keinan Davis so he's needed at the moment but is Wesley is in shape to come back, I mean I don't know exactly the timeframe on it, I know he's getting back into the training side of it, but it's difficult.
"He's been out for a long time so it's going to take him a long time to get back to where he was at.
"That being said, if they allowed Keinan Davis to go, they may look to bring somebody in for the short term, but it doesn't always work.
"I mean look at Samatta last year, it didn't quite work out, so they'll have to decide whether to bring somebody in, keep Keinan Davis or allow him to go. It's really down to the manager and what way he wants to work it."