Sutton did extremely well for us first time around, helping us win the first division and the League Challenge Cup before playing a key role in our successful fight against the drop from the SPL. He scored 30 goals in two seasons, the final one against Motherwell in May 2007 keeping us in the top flight after a memorable afternoon.
Sadly, he decided to leave after that for Wycombe, then returned to Scotland for three good years with Motherwell before winning a move to Hearts in the summer. However, he quickly fell out of favour following the arrival of Paolo Sergio and Hearts' increasing financial woes mean he has been told he can leave on loan. He's one of their top earners so could still struggle to find a new club unless the Jambos stump up some of his wages but, according to Sky Sports, five Scottish clubs, as well as a few down south, are after him.
Saints boss Danny Lennon has said in recent weeks he'd like a striker and Sutton would be ideal if we could afford him. He's only just turned 28 and has a terrific track record in the SPL and would almost certainly do a job for us. Apparently he enjoyed himself first time around - although nearly all the players have gone since then, with the coaching staff also having left - so may favour us over a move elsewhere if he is willing to take a wage drop.
There are 12 clubs in the SPL and we can probably rule out a move to the Old Firm. Take away Hearts and you're left with five out of nine (assuming it's all SPL clubs who want him north of the border) that would like to sign Sutton before the end of the month:
Aberdeen: Could really do with a goalscoring striker, however Sutton might not like the travelling (apparently still lives in the central belt) and may not be prepared to move.
Dundee United: Have apparently reached the limits of their budget unless someone goes.
Dunfermline Athletic: Very little money to spend, Sutton unlikely to move just to fight relegation.
Hibs: Could probably do with another striker, just across the city from Tynecastle.
Inverness Caley Thistle: Travel issues and possible relegation battle.
Kilmarnock: Probably a sound move if they can afford him.
Motherwell: Stuart McCall replaced Sutton with former Saint Michael Higdon during the summer but probably wouldn't say no to taking him back, especially if Jamie Murphy leaves.
St. Johnstone: Have two good strikers in Cillian Sheridan and Francisco Sandaza, however if one of them leaves (Sheridan is only on loan and there is talk of Sandaza moving on) Sutton would be the ideal replacement. Have cash as lucrative offer to Sandaza proves.
If Sutton isn't willing to move a great deal from where he currently stays I reckon Hibs, Kilmarnock, Motherwell and the two Saints are probably the only SPL clubs he'd consider who would realistically be looking at him. Then it would just be a case of who offers most - and on that basis he won't choose us unless he really valued his time here.
Of course, Sutton showed when he left us he's really only bothered about the cash, rather than staying put, and if the interest from England materialises that's exactly where he'll head because even most League One clubs can outbid SPL sides when it comes to wages these days.
EDIT: Since writing this the Daily Express has revealed that ourselves, Kilmarnock, Dunfermline and Preston are among the clubs chasing Sutton.
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