Pundit Exclusive: 'Top' Championship club tipped to sign 'Unbelievable' Villa player

Alan Hutton has tipped a "top" Championship side to sign Henri Lansbury from Aston Villa before the domestic transfer window closes. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Villa and Scotland defender believes the 30-year-old should be playing at a promotion-chasing side if he is to leave this week.

As revealed by Football Insider, Villa have given the 30-year-old the green light to leave before Friday's deadline as they look to get his £40,000-a-week wages off their books.

He has not featured in any of the club's Premier League matchday squads this season and made just two top-flight starts last term.

Hutton believes that Lansbury would suit a "ball-playing" side in the Championship and suggests he could make the difference in a club's hunt for promotion.

Hutton told Football Insider: "I think he has to go to the top, one of the bigger teams, if I'm honest.

"He's the type of player that can be so creative when he wants, his range of passing is unbelievable and I think he would suit a ball-playing football team in my opinion.

"One that's going to sit back and try to counter-attack? Not for me. If he can get on the ball and make things happen, he could really be the difference between the middle table and then the play-offs and top-two.

"I think that's where he needs to aim." 

Lansbury, who is out of contract next summer, has played 53 times for Villa since his move from Nottingham Forest.

However, he managed to make just 15 appearances last season, 10 of which came in the Premier League.

In other Aston Villa news, late transfer bid has left Hutton head over heels.