Massive John Souttar claim amid Celtic transfer rumours

Celtic do need to strengthen their depth at centre-back. Carl Starfelt’s recent injury has kept him out for the past few weeks and a recent scare surrounding Stephen Welsh while on Scotland Under-21 duty raised concerns over who else could play there. Also, Christopher Jullien has been out of action for almost a year and one has to wonder how he will perform when he does make his return to the pitch.

Hearts defender John Souttar is someone who has suffered significant injuries in recent years himself but is starting to rebuild his career with some great performance for his club. And now, when called upto the Scotland national team, he put in a solid display at the back and even scored the opening goal against Denmark.

These performances have raised interest around his signature, with his contract with Hearts believed to expire at the end of the season.

There are several clubs in England who are believed to be interested in the Scotland international. The likes of Middlesbrough, Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers have all been linked with a potential move for Souttar. Should Celtic enter the transfer race as well?

Souttar tipped to stay in Scotland if Celtic and the Rangers come calling

As reported by The Herald, Marvin Bartley has tipped Souttar to remain in Scotland if Celtic and the Rangers come calling:

"“There will be teams down in England also looking but I think when Celtic and Rangers come calling it’s very difficult for a Scottish player to say ‘No, I’m going down to England.’”"

Wherever Souttar goes, if he does leave Hearts, he will want to play regular football. The question is, will he get that at Celtic?

If Jullien looks like the same after his return from injury then the club will have some excellent options capable of playing in the heart of their defence.

But then, Souttar is someone who has impressed immensely as well in both domestic and international competition in recent times. And with Cameron Carter-Vickers currently only on loan at Celtic, a move for the Hearts defender could make sense for Ange Postecoglou’s side.