OPINION
Leeds United must move quickly to sign Hearts defender John Souttar as Derby Country are reportedly preparing a bid for the 21-year-old.
The Scottish Sun reported on Thursday that the Whites’ Championship rivals were putting together a £1million-plus summer bid in order to tempt Hearts into selling them Souttar.
The newspaper claimed that the Scottish giants have got the 21-year-old contracted to them until the summer of 2020 and are in a strong position to deal with any bids.
However it’s logical to suggest that Hearts will be tempted into selling the prospect for a fee of just over £1million and the Whites have to join Derby in persuading the club to let him go.
Souttar has been in tremendous form this season in the 34 appearances he has made, after forging a near unstoppable partnership with fellow defender Christophe Berra.
The defensive duo have together helped Hearts avoid defeat ever since the club returned to Tynecastle, with Souttar earning his fair share of the praise.
While Hearts have been achieving great success defensively, the Whites’ current options for the heart of their back-line are lacking.
Aside from Pontus Jansson, and perhaps Liam Cooper at a push, Leeds don’t have a centre-back worthy of them competing for the Championship’s promotion places next season.
The Whites should always be aiming to reach the Premier League, and must aim to sign players capable of achieving that goal.
Souttar matches that brief and would be a revelation at Elland Road for many seasons to come, given the fact he still only 21-years-old.
The enforcer is comfortable with the ball at his feet, strong in the tackle, confident when attackers run at him and all these attributes mean that he will be able to become Leeds’ rock at the back.
Therefore the Whites must hijack Derby’s reported £1million-plus interest in Souttar as he is exactly want they need ahead of next season.