Stoke City are said to be favourites to sign reported Celtic target John Souttar. The 25-year-old has impressed for Hearts this campaign, earning a Scotland recall and even netting in the win over Denmark. However, this has resulted in suitors being made aware to his contract situation.
According to Lancs Live, the defender is a target for the promotion-chasing Potters. Souttar, who joined the Tynecastle club from Dundee United in 2016, would link up with his brother Harry – who plays in the heart of Stoke’s defence.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 15: Jacob Brun Larsen of Denmark vies with John Souttar of Scotland during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Scotland and Denmark at Hampden Park on November 15, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The player is said to be free to agree on terms with potential suitors with his deal at Hearts set to end in the summer. This means that if Celtic and Ange Postecoglou wants to, they could seal a deal for the defender in the coming days. A nominal fee of around £500k would secure the transfer of Souttar immediately; however, Celtic are looking at strengthening from the J-League in midfield and attack with Christopher Jullien to return to bolster the backline.
Souttar scored against Celtic earlier this season and has been impressive as Hearts were promoted to the Premiership. Despite some horrific injuries, he has battled back to fitness and is finally reaping the rewards. Hearts will hope to tie him down to a new deal but the prospect of interest from Celtic and England will have Souttar considering his options. Hearts will be desperate to tie down the defender but will know that they may need to sell or face losing him for nothing.
