Sheffield United want to sign Hearts defender John Souttar this month, but face huge competition from Rangers, who have now moved to the front of the queue, according to reports.
The Blades, along with a host of Championship clubs that includes Nottingham Forest, are said to be keen on bringing Souttar in during January. The big Scottish defender is out of contract this summer. That means he can either sign a pre-deal now, or be snapped up for cheap.
However, according to the Daily Record, it is indeed Rangers who interest Souttar the most. He is said to favour a move to Ibrox, especially if nothing in the Championship really appeals to him. The Record claims that Giovani van Bronckhorst and his team will try this week to land Souttar.
Of course, Rangers’ interest is another body blow for Sheffield United. The Blades missed out on James Hill last week and Heckingbottom has admitted Souttar is a player he likes.
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United lack cover in defensive areas at the moment. Heckingbottom has said he wants a new body in to help out at the back, while he is also said to be keen on another midfielder.
Our View: Rangers Always Likely To Appeal To John Souttar
It’s just the way it goes sometimes, especially when trying to sign Scottish players from clubs that aren’t Rangers or Celtic. The Old Firm pair have massive appeal, especially to players from the area.
The only thing Sheffield United can really do here is try and sell themselves to John Souttar. We are still a big club and, crucially, we might even be able to offer him regular football. That’s especially the case next season, with Ben Davies only on a loan deal as things stand.
Souttar would suit United. He’s big, no-nonsense, but also more than capable on the deck. It’s easy to see why there is so much interest, really. With a bit of luck – and money – hopefully the Blades can do a deal. If not, then it’s no messing about and simply onto the next one.
