Source: Northern_Echo
Hutton valued at £9m
SUNDERLAND'S hopes of securing a quick deal for Alan Hutton could be scuppered by Tottenham's attempts to recoup the full £9m they paid Rangers for the Scotland international.[LNB] Hutton has been a key member of the Black Cats squad since joining on loan from White Hart Lane in January, and Steve Bruce has confirmed he is keen to turn the full-back's temporary move into a permanent switch this summer.[LNB] Ideally, Bruce would like to tie up Hutton's move in the early weeks of the summer transfer window to guarantee his availability for the start of pre-season training.[LNB] The Black Cats boss is believed to value the 25-year-old at around £4m, but it is highly unlikely Spurs will accept anything close to that figure for a player who cost around £9m when he arrived in January 2008.[LNB] Sources in London claim Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is keen to recoup the mony he paid for the player, even though manager Harry Redknapp has made it clear he does not regard Hutton as part of his future plans.[LNB] As a result, Levy is expected to sit tight in the hope of other clubs sparking a summer bidding war rather than sanctioning the defender's departure for a reduced fee in the early weeks of the window.[LNB] Niall Quinn is expected to contact Levy this week in an attempt to kick-start talks on a permanent deal for the player.[LNB] But having been involved in a series of protracted negotiations over Darren Bent's transfer from Tottenham last summer, the Sunderland chairman is set for another string of difficult discussions.[LNB] Hutton's impressive displays at the Stadium of Light have not gone unnoticed, and while the fullback is keen to join Sunderland, the prospect of other clubs coming in for him could lead to a frustrating start to the summer.[LNB] Bruce will target a handful of marquee signings as he attempts to add quality rather than quantity this close season, but he continues to track youngsters he feels could add some depth to the Black Cats squad.[LNB] Ipswich teenager Connor Wickham falls into that category, and Bruce has confirmed he has an interest in the 17-year-old.[LNB] We're aware of the lad, he's a very talented boy,[LNB] said Bruce, who has denied any interest in Portsmouth centre-half Marc Wilson.[LNB] But if he became available, I'm sure there would be plenty of other clubs, not just us, who would like to be kept in the picture.[LNB] Season-card holders have until 5pm on Thursday to apply for tickets for the final away game at Wolves on Sunday, May 9.[LNB]
