Paul Coutts is available on a free this summer. He would a brilliant bit of business for any Premiership side who wanted him.
The midfielder has been released by Sheffield United after their promotion to the Premier League. Coutts isn’t EPL level, but he’s still a very capable footballer at Premiership level.
At 30 years old, the ex-Blade would be good business for most teams in Scotland’s top flight.
Coutts can still tussle at the top
Back in 2015, the ex-Aberdeen midfielder told the Evening Express about his desire to move back to the Granite City at one point in his career.
He said: “Aberdeen is still home for us and where we’re from and I’m sure we’ll end up moving back at some point.”
Aberdeen need to replace Graeme Shinnie and Coutts could be a perfect replacement. He brings the experience Derek McInnes is losing in Shinnie, as well as his brilliant ability in the middle.
He can spray passes across the park with ease, proving equally strong in the tackle. He’d be a perfect fit to replace Aberdeen’s departing skipper.
Alternatively, perhaps Hibs would be a decent destination. Midfielders Gael Bigirimana, Mark Milligan and Stephane Omeonga are already leaving the Scottish capital.
He’d be able to bring some defensive shrewdness to the light midfield, with Stephen Mallan and Scott Allan likely to be the two regular central starters next term.
Kilmarnock also need a Youssouf Mulumbu replacement, but wages would likely play their part here. Trying to sign Coutts would be an ambitious move by the Rugby Park side.
The reliable midfielder will have plenty of options this summer. It’d be great to see him back in the Scottish Premiership.