Alex Neil provides update on Harry Souttar’s Stoke City future amid Leicester City links | OneFootball

Stoke City manager Alex Neil says he does not expect defender Harry Souttar to leave the club before the closure of the transfer window next week.

Souttar has been the subject of much transfer speculation this month after attracting attention due to his impressive displays for Australia in the World Cup last year, playing all four games as the Socceroos reached the knockout rounds of the tournament for the first time in 16 years.

The 24-year-old won plenty of praise for his performances and has been a regular for the Potters since his return, but interest in his services from Premier League clubs has been growing this month.

According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Leicester City had a £10 million offer for Souttar turned down.

Di Marzio claims that talks are ongoing, with Souttar one of the “most wanted” on Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers’ list of targets, but Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett says that the two clubs are far apart on agreeing a fee.

However, the Foxes are not the only top flight outfit keen on Souttar, with the Daily Mail reporting that West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers were also keeping tabs.

The Scottish Sun claimed last month that Stoke had placed a £25 million price tag on Souttar, but 90min report that the Potters’ valuation is instead around the £15 million mark.

Neil had previously refused to rule out a departure for Souttar this month if a suitable bid was received, but the Scotsman now says it is unlikely he will depart with just days remaining in the window.

“It’ll be highly doubtful that Soutts will be leaving,” Neil told BBC Radio Stoke.

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The Verdict

This is a huge boost for Stoke.

Souttar is one of the Potters’ key men and they will be keen to retain him for as long as possible.

It does look unlikely at this point that he will be leaving this month with so little time left in the window and given the club’s high valuation, but a summer departure seems inevitable as his list of admirers increases and the club will be keen to ensure they receive the maximum possible income to allow Neil to reinvest in the squad.

However, Neil will pleased to keep hold of Souttar for now at least as he looks to continue to guide his side up the Championship table.