Rumoured Celtic target and Scotland international, John Souttar is in talks with English side Blackburn Rovers in a potential move to the Championship. The big centre back had been injured for some time and feared he would not be able to play football again. However, this season he has been a rock for Hearts as he has captained Robbie Neilson’s side during their best league run in years.
The player is available on a pre-contract come January and wants to look at all possible options before deciding what the next step is in his footballing career. Now, Daily Record have reported that Souttar could be plying his trade in the English second tier next season as Rovers look to steal an edge on all other interested parties.
It is reported that Blackburn are confident that a deal can be agreed with Souttar, with the money on offer a ‘significant lift’ from his current contract with Championship winners Hearts. Stoke City are also said to be keen on the player, with boss Michael O’Neill eager to reunite the player with his brother Harry who is out injured as of late.
Developments will no doubt break in the coming days, as Hearts are looking for a significant fee to even be tempted into letting the player go this coming January transfer window. For a considerably small fee in football terms, Celtic should be watching how events unfold in the next few days with a view to making an offer for the centre half.
It would certainly do no harm to have more squad depth heading into the second half of a very tight league title race. Domestic talents Paul Hartley and Barry Robson swung the title race way back in 2008 and this year feels the same. It could come down to who has the better January window. Domestic talents should never be sniffed at in these cases. Souttar would be an excellent option to have for Ange Postecoglou during a congested fixture list.
Paul Gillespie
WE’VE GOT SOMETHING TWICE AS GOOD…
Thanks to everyone who ordered Harry Hood – Twice as Good for Christmas presents. If you got an Ange jumper instead then why not order this brilliant book by Matt Corr, or indeed David Potter’s biography of another Celtic legend Alec McNair – born on this day incidentally – from Celtic Star Books or from the official Celtic stores?
