Nottingham Forest 'close to Alan Hutton deal'

Nottingham Forest are said to be on the verge of signing Alan Hutton following the veteran right-back's departure from Aston Villa.

The 34-year-old is leaving Villa Park upon the expiration of his contract this summer after a season in which he helped them secure a return to the Premier League as Championship playoff winners.

A number of second-tier sides are thought to have held discussions with the former Scotland international and, according to The Sun, Martin O'Neill's Forest are in pole position having offered "the best terms", as well as holding the advantage of being located closest to his home.

Hutton previously had an emergency loan spell at Forest in the 2012-13 season, making seven appearances before returning to Villa, where he was a fan favourite.

The defender cut his teeth in his native Scotland, spending six seasons and winning the Scottish title with Rangers before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2008.

After three-and-a-half years with the North London side, during which time he won the League Cup, Hutton moved to Villa in 2011 and went on to make more than 200 appearances over eight seasons.