West Ham United want Stoke City defender Harry Souttar but are now in danger of missing out to Premier League rivals Leicester City.
That’s according to The Mirror (08/01, p77), who claim that there is a real Premier League battle going on for Souttar’s signature.
West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers are understood to be interested in signing Souttar.
However, Leicester are now ‘leading the race’ to sign Souttar with Brendan Rodgers having him watched in each of his last three games.
Stoke don’t want to lose the defender but it may become increasingly difficult to fend off Premier League clubs this month.
Leicester want defensive additions this month and Souttar now appears to be the top target for the Foxes in their battle to pull away from the drop zone.
Who is West Ham and Leicester target Harry Souttar?
Souttar, 24, was actually in the Celtic ranks as a kid before joining the Dundee United ranks.
After just two league appearances for Dundee United, Souttar was on the move again as he joined Stoke City.
It took a while for Souttar to really break through, and after loan spells with Ross County and Fleetwood Town, Souttar has become a star.
The giant 6ft 6in defender is a regular for Stoke and has regained his place after a lengthy injury lay-off.
Souttar was born in Scotland but has chosen to play for Australia at international level and was superb at the World Cup.
Six goals in 13 caps for Australia is impressive for a defender and he was praised as an ‘absolute colossus’ for Australia against Denmark in Qatar.
David Moyes does love bringing EFL talent to the Premier League and Souttar would fit the bill alongside Nayef Aguerd in the heart of West Ham’s defence.
Leicester are in pole position though and West Ham will need to move quickly if they want to secure his signature.
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