John Souttar is reportedly attracting interest from a host of English Championship clubs.
The Hearts defender, according to the Edinburgh Evening News, is a target for several second-tier sides down south as he comes towards the end of his deal in Gorgie.
The Jambos centre-half is out of contract in the summer after talks stalled over a new agreement at Tynecastle.
Robbie Neilson will be keen to re-open discussions and hold on to one of his top performers this season.
The Scotland international, recently recalled to Steve Clarke's national team squad, is believed to be being monitored by Middlesbrough, Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers among others.
The Jam Tarts could lose the 25-year-old for nothing if January if fresh terms can't be agreed, with Souttar free to speak to clubs about a potential summer switch.
Stoke already count Souttar's brother Harry in their number and are understood to be keen on bringing older sibling John to Staffordshire.
Boro and Blackburn will also provide stiff competition for Hearts - who are starting to see the best of Souttar again after his injury hell.
With his Achilles troubles behind him, the classy centre-half has been performing at a high level in the Premiership this season, helping lead the capital club to third after a strong start.
