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Alan Hutton has said that he has not left Aston Villa, declaring that claims of his departure are "not true".

Hutton, 33, is out of contract and was included on the club's released list submitted to the EFL - alongside the likes of John Terry and Gabby Agbonlahor who have left Villa Park.

Nottingham Forest have been linked with a swoop for Hutton on a free transfer but the Scot says claims he has departed B6 are wide of the mark.

Replying to a fan on Instagram who had relayed a post about Hutton leaving and thanked him for his services at Villa, the player replied with his verified account, @hutton02, saying: "Not true".

He filled in at left-back for a large part of last season as Villa lost out on promotion against Fulham in the Championship play-off final.

Boss Steve Bruce had confirmed in the run up to the play-off final that the club would make a decision on Hutton's future after the game at Wembley.

He has made over 150 appearances for Villa since arriving in the summer of 2011 under Alex McLeish - despite being loaned out to three different clubs in that time.

One of those sides was in fact Forest, who - the Nottingham Post are now reporting - want to bring him back to the City Ground on a permanent basis.

Aitor Karanka is even willing to off Hutton a two-year contract to switch allegiances ahead of the new campaign.

Forest are in the market for a new full-back as they prepare for the departure of former Villan Eric Lichaj, who is heading north to Hull City.

The defender is understood to be desperate to stay in the second city with his family settled in the area.

But that decision could be taken out of the Hutton's hands as Tony Xia and Co look to slash the wage bill in order to meet Financial Fair Play regulations.

More Villa news

Aston Villa have confirmed a new kit sponsor, with 32Red returning as principal partner.

The online betting firm's logo will feature on the front of Villa's home and away kits, as it did previously between 2006 and 2008.

Unibet, last season's kit sponsor, continue in their partnership with Villa but their logo will be emblazoned on the training kit intsead.

An exact date has yet to be revealed for the launch of the new kit, deigned by Villa fan Luke Roper, of Luke 1977, but the club have explained it will be in 'early July'.

Aston Villa’s chief commercial officer, Luke Organ, said: "We are thrilled to be partnered with Kindred Group once again this season in a wider and more targeted partnership.

"This season we will welcome back 32Red (a subsidiary of Kindred Group), a previous partner of the club, whilst we see a continuation of the great work with Unibet.

"Throughout the first year of our relationship, Unibet successfully delivered multiple ‘bettor experiences’ for Aston Villa’s loyal supporters, ensuring at every opportunity they provided a unique and exciting engagement for our fans. The last 12 months has seen a fruitful relationship develop and we very much look forward to building on that for the seasons ahead."

Villa’s iconic colours have often caused confusion amongst manufacturers and senior Villa Park officials have moved to ensure next season’s kit includes a ‘darker shade of claret’.

It will also feature a ‘visible nod to William McGregor’. A statue of McGregor - the man who played a leading role in founding the Football League in 1888 - stands proudly outside the main reception at Villa Park.

Neil Banbury, General Manager UK at the Kindred Group, said: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with Aston Villa. 32Red has a successful history in football sponsorship and will look to build on the fantastic work done by the Unibet brand last season.

“The 32Red logo won’t look out of place adorning the famous claret and blue with both brands priding themselves on excitement and entertainment. The likes of which has made 32Red an industry-leader in online casinos.“

"Unibet will continue to reward the legions of loyal Villans with “bettor” experiences as Official Betting & Gaming Partner and we look forward to seeing the logo on the club’s official training wear.”

EFL statement

The EFL have confirmed they are in discussions with Aston Villa regarding their current financial crisis.

In a statement released to BirminghamLive the Championship’s governing body said they would help embattled Villa ‘where appropriate.

News that EFL chairman Shaun Harvey had requested a meeting with the club broke on Tuesday night.

It was reported that Harvey will request a business plan from the club and will seek reassurances that they can fulfil their financial obligations.

But today’s statement struck a co-operative tone.

The league told BirminghamLive: “The EFL is in dialogue with the Club and will offer any practical assistance, where appropriate.”

The fallout of Villa’s failure to win promotion is well-documented.

On the field players sales are anticipated, there is uncertainty around Steve Bruce’s position and the budget for next term.

While off it former CEO Keith Wyness has left the club and is taking them to court, while owner Tony Xia faces a difficult summer meeting the club’s financial obligations.