Alan Hutton is in line for a new contract at Aston Villa, regardless of the £170m Championship promotion shootout with Fulham.

Hutton, the Scotland international, is winning his battle to earn a deal at Villa after a remarkable resurgence under Steve Bruce.

The 33-year-old is a free agent at the end of this season but it is highly likely that he will be given fresh terms to extend his Villa career.

Bruce has held preliminary talks with the defender over his future and it is understood Hutton will be offered terms, whatever the outcome of the play-off final on May 26.

“I thought Alan Hutton, over the two legs, was absolutely outstanding,” said Bruce. “If ever he deserves a contract and if I get my way, he will get one. Since we have moved him to left-back he has gone to a different level.