Hearts defender John Souttar admits he’s feeling ‘the best I’ve ever felt’ amid reports linking him with Scottish Premiership rivals Celtic and Rangers, speaking to The Courier.
Clearly, Souttar is thinking long-term.
Earlier this week, the Scotland international opened a coffee shop as he prepares for life after football (The Sun).
And, if those injuries had taken their toll, on his body and his mind, Souttar might have already hung up his boots, swapping Tynecastle for Tassimo, last-ditch blocks for a Brazilian blend.
Souttar has battled back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, however, and looks fitter, stronger and more confident than ever before.
In fact, he’s been so impressive this season that, according to the Scottish Sun, Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers are lining up potential January bids.
Could John Souttar join Celtic or Rangers?
“Before my injuries, (the transfer speculation) it would have affected me more,” Souttar admits. “Now, I don’t take anything for granted. I go into every game completely focused on the match and what I need to do.
“Everything else gets blanked out because I’m just thankful to be on the pitch.
“The older I get, and the experiences I’ve picked up, the easier it has got to deal with speculation.
“I’m loving my football just now. To be playing without any worries about injuries is brilliant. It’s the best I’ve felt in my career, physically.
“And that’s all the matters.”
Souttar will be a free-agent next summer. And, with Hearts looking to tie their prized asset down to a new deal, he has a difficult decision to make.
Tynecastle boss Robbie Neilson has made no secret of his desire to keep the former Dundee United man. He insists that it would take a ‘huge’ offer to convince Hearts to cash in next month.
Souttar is also a target for a number of clubs below the border. Nottingham Forest are keen.
So too are a Stoke City side who lost another Souttar – John’s younger brother Harry – to a season-ending injury recently.
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