Rangers and Celtic are still “in the mix” for Hearts centre-back John Souttar but Stoke City are in “pole position” to secure his services, according to Lancs Live writer Jaquob Crooke.
Blackburn Rovers, along with eight other teams, were also thought to be interested in signing the 26-year-old but the Potters seemingly have the edge over their rivals.
It had already been confirmed that Souttar was looking to move south of the border and a switch to the Bet 365 Stadium does make sense as his brother Harry also plays for the English Championship side.
Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst may have to look elsewhere as the Scottish Premiership champions seek to strengthen the middle of defence.
Other centre-halves are on the market, as we have mentioned in this article, but it remains to be seen who the Light Blues will make their number one target if they do miss out on Souttar.
