John Souttar became Scotland’s latest hero last night after he stooped to head Steve Clarke’s side ahead against Denmark. Livingston Assistant Manager Marvin Bartley has said that Celtic could benefit from signing the centre back, who is available on a pre-contract in January.
Celtic could capitalise on this contract situation by swooping in and getting Souttar on a free agent in the summer. Bartley told Go Radio that if Celtic were to swoop for the 25-year-old then he would improve Postecoglou’s side.
“His positioning was fantastic and that’s what he does seem like – a magnet – because he’s in the right position at the right time.
“Celtic and Rangers have to be looking at him. We’ve got the Goldson situation at Rangers with his contract. You’ve got Carter-Vickers on loan at Celtic so he’s going to go back at the end of the season.
“I think John Souttar goes into either of those defences and makes them better and again at 25 years of age he is only going to get better.
“We talked earlier about Liam Cooper at 30 being in his prime as a centre half because you get the experience and you’re positioning is even better. John Souttar’s five years younger than him.
“There will be teams down in England also looking but I think when Celtic and Rangers come calling it’s very difficult for a Scottish player to say ‘No, I’m going down to England.'”
Souttar scored against Celtic earlier this season and has been impressive as Hearts were promoted to the Premiership. Despite some horrific injuries, he has battled back to fitness and is finally reaping the rewards. Hearts will hope to tie him down to a new deal but the prospect of interest from Celtic and England will have Souttar considering his options.
Celtic have previously signed a couple of players on pre-contracts from the Edinburgh clubs with Gary Caldwell, Derek Riordan and Steven Pressley all swapping the capital city for Celtic Park. Recently, Celtic have signed Carl Starfelt, Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers (on loan) to compete with Stephen Welsh and Christopher Jullien for the central defender positions under Ange Postecoglou.
Celtic have an option to buy Carter-Vickers but may look at Souttar as an alternative. The USA Internationalist.
Would be a superb signing imo