Robbie Neilson is defiant that Hearts will not have to sell reported Celtic and Rangers target John Souttar in a cut-price transfer in the January sales, via quotes by the Daily Record.
The defender is out of contract at the end of the season like a number of his teammates at Tynecastle. But Neilson is confident the Jambos are in a strong enough position financially to withstand any attempted raid from clubs seeking a bargain deal in the winter market.
Hearts are also adamant that Souttar and co can play a key role in their quest to qualify for Europe. The Edinburgh outfit currently sit third in the Premiership, and the riches of UEFA action at Tynecastle will likely outweigh what the Jambos could earn from players leaving.
Rangers and Celtic lagging behind in Souttar transfer race
Reports by Football Scotland have claimed Hearts would want at least £500k to sell Souttar in January. Rangers and Celtic are among the clubs monitoring his situation, per the Daily Record, as well. But Souttar is ready to snub a move to Glasgow for a chance in England.
Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City and Nottingham Forest are also keen to give the 25-year-old his chance south of the border. Additionally, the Daily Record note Blackburn have opened pre-contract talks with Souttar, hoping to seal a free transfer for once his Hearts deal ends.
Rovers’ negotiations could see them move ahead of Stoke, who Lancs Live had cited as the frontrunners last week. Now, Neilson is also adding another hurdle for Celtic and Rangers.
Neilson confident Hearts do not have to accept low-ball offers
Neilson is adamant Hearts will not have to accept any low-ball offers for Rangers and Celtic target Souttar in January. He has also spoken with the Jambos hierarchy to discuss their plans for the winter market, given their European aspirations.
“We’ve obviously got a number of players out of contract [next summer], but we’re not in a situation where we need to sell them,” Neilson said. “I’ve had a chat with Sporting Director Joe Savage and the board.
“We know that, unless somebody comes in willing to pay really big money for somebody, they’ll stay here until the end of the season because the objective this season is to get into Europe. And that, financially, is worth a lot of money to the club.
“Certainly, [it would be] enough to outweigh any mediocre bid we’re going to get for a player. It’s good to be reassured on that front. We’ve got a strong board and financially, we’re in a good position, so we don’t need to sell. I’m confident that will be the case.”
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