Ibrox Exclusive: Middlesbrough ready to blow Rangers away as talks begin to sign proven ace

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Published on:

01 Aug 2019, 1:30 am

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke

Middlesbrough are in talks to sign former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton on a free transfer, Football Insider can reveal.

The Championship big hitters are working on a deal to beat Rangers and other leading English clubs to land the 34-year-old, who is a free agent after leaving Aston Villa earlier this summer.

A Boro source has told Football Insider that the club are in discussions with Hutton over a deal as they look to blow away the intense competition for his services.

This comes after Football Insider revealed last month that Rangers were interested in re-signing Hutton 11 years after he quit Ibrox to join Tottenham.

As reported by Football Insider, the likes of Nottingham Forest, Wigan Athletic and Hull City, as well as Leeds United have all shown a strong interest in signing him this summer, but the Scotland international has been in no rush to make a decision on his future as he weighs up his options.

Middlesbrough are in the market for a new right-back this summer after being frustrated in their attempts to sign Anfernee Dijksteel from Charlton.

Hutton's versatility and availability on a free transfer makes him an attractive proposition to Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate, who is a big admirer of the former Scotland international having played with him at Tottenham.

Hutton started his career at Rangers before moving to England to join Tottenham for £9million in 2008 and he was a big fans' favourite during his time at Ibrox.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is in the market for reinforcements at full-back and the veteran would fit the bill as he can play on both flanks.

His vast experience accumulated in the Premier League, Championship and Scottish Premiership, as well as at international level for Scotland, is very attractive to his many suitors.

Hutton made 151 appearances in the Premier League for Spurs and Villa, as well as 112 in the Championship and 88 during his spell at Rangers.

In other Rangers news, it can be REVEALED that more than 10 clubs are trying to sign Rangers senior player now valued at £10million.

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