Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has admitted that he would "love" to return to Spain on a permanent basis this summer.
The 28-year-old, who has 12 months remaining on his current contract at Villa Park, spent the second half of last season on loan at Mallorca, where he made 17 La Liga starts.
Hutton says that after falling out of favour at Villa the temporary move abroad rekindled his passion for the game.
He told the Daily Mail: "I was able to play football and enjoy it - it's the first time I've been able to say that in a while.
"I don't know how to explain it. I had a few bad years so just to go and enjoy my football again was really good. It's a lot calmer. I would love to go back.
"I've got another year and I'm in no rush. It's not as if I've not got a club. But obviously I want to move. Another loan deal would not be ideal. It's not ideal for the family. I would like a permanent deal."
Scotland international Hutton joined Villa from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2011.
Robert Summerscales
