Leicester City’s Harry Souttar has been offered a lifeline, as Sheffield United have made a last-minute enquiry for the Australian international, as reported by Football Insider.
The Blades sit bottom of the Premier League with the league’s worst defensive record, conceding 54 goals in 22 games this season. After the signing of Ben Brereton Diaz on loan, Chris Wilder is keen to bring in defenders, and Leicester’s Souttar has emerged as an option for them.
Souttar only signed with Leicester from Stoke City last year but has hardly featured for the Championship leaders under Enzo Maresca. The defender has only featured four times this campaign, playing less than 100 minutes for the Foxes.
Despite the setback of barely featuring for the club, the defender was still chosen for international duty at the Asia Cup with Australia. Featuring in all four games for the Socceroos, Souttar’s four appearances at the tournament, which included a goal in the 4-0 win over Indonesia, sees him increase his tally to 21 caps for the national side.
However, the Blades are not the only Premier League side keen on acquiring the defender. Sean Dyche’s Everton have also identified him as a target should Ben Godfrey leave before the end of the window. The Toffees will only sell Godfrey should they find a suitable replacement, and Souttar is on that list.
Leicester are open to selling the 25-year-old, who is under contract until 2028 if it frees up space in their squad. Enzo Maresca has had targets in the transfer window this month but has previously said he would have to sell to bring anyone through the door. The club are holding out in the battle to hold on to star midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this window, as Brighton & Hove Albion circle.
Writer’s View
A move is needed for Souttar to further his career, especially as an international regular. It would be hard for him to continue his national team career when he has only started two games in a season for his club. Sheffield United are almost a certainty to be relegated this season. They would still be the best destination for regular first-team football despite that.