Premiership giants Rangers and Celtic are battling to bring John Souttar to Glasgow, but the Hearts defender is ready to snub transfers to Ibrox and Parkhead, per the Daily Record.
The Gers and Hoops are among a raft of clubs fighting to sign the Scotland star. He is out of contract at Tynecastle in May, and will soon be able to start negotiating pre-contract deals.
Hearts are still in talks with Souttar over extending his terms at the club, but their chances are minimal. They have also not ruled out trying to sell the 25-year-old in January to recoup some form of a fee. Part of which they would owe Dundee United through a sell-on clause.
Souttar joined Hearts from Dundee United in 2016 and has gone on to play 145 games for the Jambos. But three Achilles tendon injuries have heavily impacted his availability, too.
So, he is now keen to make up for lost time and seal a move to England when the four-cap enforcer leaves Tynecastle. Soutter feels now is the time to test himself south of the border and has nine clubs chasing his services.
Championship outfits Blackburn, Blackpool, Birmingham, Luton, Millwall, Middlesbrough, Preston, Queens Park Rangers and Stoke have all expressed their interest.
Souttar’s brother, Harry, also plays for Stoke, who are fighting for promotion back into the Premier League. They sit fifth in the table after 18 games, 10-points behind leaders Fulham.
Souttar to snub Rangers and Celtic transfers for Championship football?
Souttar may be turning down the chance to battle for Premiership titles and play in Europe by snubbing transfers to Rangers or Celtic to join a Championship side amid vast interest.
Rangers may be keen on a transfer for Souttar with Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun out of contract in 2022. While the Scottish Daily Mail note Hearts may sell in January for £500k.
Meanwhile, Celtic have Cameron Carter-Vickers on loan, so a cheap – or free – transfer for Souttar could prove particularly appealing. With the defender overcoming his injury issues with supreme determination to come back stronger than before.
“He came in every day and did what was asked of him and went above and beyond to try and make himself fitter and stronger,” Christophe Berra said, via the Independent.
“He ticks every box in terms of being a top professional. All credit to him for getting through it.”
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