Hearts have knocked back TWO bids for John Souttar from the same club.
Edinburgh Live Sport understands that the unnamed English Championship outfit have twice tried to tempt the Jambos to the negotiating table in a bid to get a deadline day deal done for the defender.
But both have been booted out by sporting director Joe Savage after falling well short of the club's valuation.
Souttar is in the final year of his contract at Tynecastle and clubs south of the border perhaps see the Scotland international’s situation as an opportunity to pick up a bargain.
But Hearts aren’t entertaining the thought of selling the 24-year-old and are determined to keep him in Gorgie.
Robbie Neilson confirmed last week that talks over an extended contract have begun and will be ongoing over the next few weeks.
The Jambos see Souttar as integral to their plans for the future as they target European football following their return to the Premiership.
They currently second in the league with ten points from their opening four games ahead of a mouth watering top of the table derby clash with Hibs after the international break.
Speaking on early contract negotiations last week, Souttar admitted that it would be ideal to extend his stay at the club but that these things can take time.
“It's very initial. We've had a few chats just the two of us, just quite chilled chats,” explained Souttar. “I really enjoy playing my football here at Hearts and the gaffer has been great with me. It's really early stages. These things can take a while.
“That is the ideal world but unfortunately sometimes that isn't always the case.
“Me and the gaffer have just had a few informal discussions so far. Because I've been so focused and he's been so focused on just getting me playing regular football, I don't want to cloud my mind with all that kind of chat.”
