Cats boss keen to seal deal for Alan Hutton

Mar 19 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

STEVE Bruce will look to turn Alan Hutton’s loan move from Tottenham Hotspur into a permanent switch at the end of the season.

Hutton has impressed during his short time on Wearside, and the Scotland international is thought to favour a long-term move to the Black Cats, rather than return to White Hart Lane after the last game of his loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers in May.

Sunderland do not have the best relationship with Spurs because of a series of rows during Darren Bent’s frustratingly protracted move to Wearside last summer.

The arguments behind the scenes had prompted suggestions the Sunderland hierarchy would never deal with their Tottenham counterparts again, although the Hutton loan deal went smoothly enough in January.

That is likely to lead to an early move for the 25-year-old – presuming Sunderland remain in the top flight – as the former Rangers defender does not appear to be part of Harry Redknapp’s plans in north London.

Indeed, a player who has been capped nine times by Scotland could well be Sunderland’s first signing of the summer, with Bruce still to decide whether John Mensah’s injury problems are too serious for him to sign him permanently from Lyon.

Bruce said: “We have to respect the fact that we have never had a conversation with Spurs before I put anything out in the Press. I have not had any conversation with Harry to see if he is available.

“I know Harry was pretty desperate for him to get some football under his belt because he had not played for a while, but until I have a conversation to see if he is available. If he was, then of course I would be interested.”

Hutton has added an offensive

threat down the right flank, as well as his defensive qualities at right-back, and Bruce has recognised the improvements.

In Hutton’s six appearances in red-and-white stripes, Sunderland have lost just once – at Arsenal – and have conceded only five goals.

Bruce added: “He has done particularly well. I have to say it is a bit harsh on Phil (Bardsley) but I just think he has the experience and is a very decent player. He has slipped in very, very nicely.

“When we signed him it wasn’t a loan deal with a view to a permanent move, but we’ll have a conversation with Tottenham at the end of the season.”

In an ideal world, Hutton would be joined by Mensah. The Ghana international has been superb at the heart of the defence in recent weeks, although a back problem which means he cannot train most weeks, means a permanent move represents a big gamble.

Bruce would like to keep the 27-year-old, although he is likely to push for another loan deal with Lyon, even though the French club would rather cash in.

He said: “He has still got three years left at Lyon, so ultimately we will have a conversation when the time is right and we will just see what develops and see what happens from now until the end of the season.

“He is a very, very good player. The problem he has got is the ongoing problem with his injuries.

“But we have now got him into some sort of programme which benefits him.

“There’s no disputing that he does tire badly in games, which is normal because he doesn’t train a lot. But he can get away with it because of his natural ability. He is a fantastic defender.

“He is a fantastic player, it is just an absolute crying shame, the ongoing problems he has. But as a defender, he is unbelievable, superb, as good as you get.”

BIRMINGHAM boss Alex McLeish believes his hope of retaining goalkeeper Joe Hart on loan for a second season will hinge on whether Manchester City qualify for the Champions League.

Hart has been in outstanding form during his current season-long loan at St Andrew’s and has played a major role in establishing them back in the Premier League.

McLeish is keen to retain the services of a player who has put himself in strong contention to be a part of Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad.

But he concedes he may have to look elsewhere if Roberto Mancini’s side finish in the top four and reach the Champions League.

McLeish said: “We do intend to speak to Joe, his father and his agent in the coming weeks.

“I believe the club have made contact with Manchester City to try and get a meeting to see where they see Joe’s future next season.”

McLeish insists he will make no decision on any of Birmingham’s out-of-contract players – including veteran former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips – until the end of the season.

Phillips would like to remain at St Andrew’s for another season despite having been used mainly as a substitute during the current campaign.