Leicester City have been handed a massive boost in their hopes of retaining Harry Souttar after Sheffield United opted to pull the plug on a deal.
The Blades had ramped up their attempts to sign their former loanee since the start of the month, with reports suggesting that they had tabled bids up to the region of £8 million and were ready to lodge further offers which exceeded the £10 million price tag for the 27-year-old.
Foxes Breathe Sigh Of Relief
However, it seems that United’s attempts to recruit Souttar are now essentially over, as according to the Sheffield Star’s Danny Hall, the owners of the club are now focusing on temporary deals between now and the end of the window.
Chris Wilder had marked a new centre-back as a key priority in the build-up to the new season after stating that Mark McGuinness was no longer in his plans for the campaign ahead, and were keen on poaching away their former loanee from Leicester.
They had also eyed other alternatives in the transfer market amid speculation they could mount a return for another former Blade in Anel Ahmedhodzic, but it has been reported by Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph that the Bosnian is now set to head to Championship rivals Burnley.
News of the Bramall Lane club’s change in transfer policy comes as the club faces a winding-up petition in the courts, with former owner Prince Abdullah aiming to recoup an alleged £35 million debt, which could lead to a severe 12-point deduction.
City manager Russell Martin has already expressed his eagerness to keep the Australian international in the East Midlands this window, having already handed him the captain’s armband in both of their games so far.
Other second-tier clubs have been keen on making moves for the 27-year-old, with a previous report stating that Stoke City and Wrexham were also keen on a swoop.
Foxes Handed Major Boost Amid Worries
Having lost Ben Nelson for most of the season due to an ACL injury and reports that Wout Faes could be on his way out before deadline day, news that Harry Souttar is no longer of interest to Sheffield United will be welcomed by Leicester City.
With limited centre-back depth already before considering future exits, Russell Martin was facing the realistic prospect of having Caleb Okoli as his only senior option at the club, likely to be backed up by the 19-year-old Olabade Aluko.
Now, with Souttar’s chances of staying growing by the day, it now means that Leicester can go into the market looking for some squad rotation options rather than looking to replace his captain.
One option which could be of interest to Martin is one of his former Rangers players in John Souttar, who is likely to leave Ibrox and could be a worthy addition to play alongside his brother, with reports suggesting that City are indeed favourites to sign him.
