Scotland and Hearts star John Souttar looks set to quit the Jambos for a crack at England.
The defender is out of contract at the end of the season and can open pre-contract talks from next week.
Rangers and Celtic are both interested but Record Sport understands that the 25-year-old’s preference is to try his luck south of the border.
Souttar has still to make a final decision on his next move.
There is growing interest in the Scotland star, who netted against Denmark in his international comeback last week, by the day.
There is already a whole host of keen English Championship clubs tracking the centre-back.
Stoke City, where his brother Harry plays, Blackburn Rovers, Millwall, Middlesbrough, Luton, Queen’s Park Rangers, Birmingham, Blackpool and Preston have all expressed an interest.
Souttar has fought bravely back from three Achilles tendon injuries and is keen to make up for lost time with a crack at England.
Hearts sporting director Joe Savage remains in talks over a new deal but that is looking increasingly unlikely while it remains to be seen if Hearts will look to cash in during the January window.
Dundee United are believed to be entitled to a sell-on of any sale.
Meanwhile, Hearts are hopeful Craig Halkett will be fit for this weekend’s clash with St Mirren.
The defender missed his first game of the season as the Jambos lost 2-0 at Motherwell with a groin and hip problem.
Head coach Robbie Neilson will monitor Halkett closely but is confident he will be fit for the home clash with the Buddies at the weekend.
“He has a wee hip problem but we are hoping he’ll be back this week. He should be all right, that’s what the medical staff are saying.”
Neilson will certainly be hoping that is the case after on-loan defender Taylor Moore got sent off at Fir Park
Taylor Moore, the on-loan Bristol City defender, is suspended this weekend as a result of his red card against Motherwell and is now set for a suspension.
.png?w=600)
