“Should be holding out for £20 million” – Stoke City reject eight-figure approach from Leicester City: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Stoke City have rejected a £10 million offer from Leicester City for Harry Souttar, as detailed in a report from Gianluca di Marzio.

The Foxes are not the only Premier League outfit with an interest in the 24-year-old, with a report from TEAMtalk ahead of the opening of the transfer window revealing that West Ham and Wolves are also in pursuit.

Souttar who emerged on Premier League radars last year before a knee injury kept him out for several months, has once again shone in Stoke colours since returning.

Souttar also impressed on the international stage with Australia during the World Cup, something that has certainly paved the way for his stock to increase.

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts on the Stoke defender and determine what would be a fair price to lure the Potters into selling…

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Billy Mulley

I definitely think Stoke were right to knock back this initial approach and I would not be surprised if further attempts from the Premier League were made this month.

Perhaps the finest centre-back the Championship has to offer, still just 24 years of age and someone who will be looked upon more favourably because of his World Cup showing, top-tier clubs will need to fork out a hefty fee for his services.

He is also a player who could immediately go in and make an impact in England’s top-flight, another indicator that big money needs to be offered.

Still possessing another two-and-half-years on his current deal at the Bet 365 Stadium, the Potters are certainly in a position of strength when it comes to his potential transfer.

Stoke should be holding out for £20 million this month for Souttar and if no one matches the fee, then that is fine as they will be able to demand a similar fee in the summer.

Ben Wignall

Souttar is tied down long-term at the Bet365 Stadium, and his performances at the FIFA World Cup for Australia have no doubt enhanced his reputation.

The towering Aussie has a pretty unique skill-set for a centre-back that is so tall – not only is he dominant in the air but he is comfortable on the ball and bringing it out from the back, with the only thing he is probably lacking is a bit of pace.

Nevertheless, he is a key part of the Stoke squad despite them struggling at the wrong end of the Championship table, and you have to think that there is still some improvement left to come.

Many clubs are making financial losses though in the Championship and Stoke are no exception, so they will have to accept a high bid if it comes – around £15 million with some add-ons and a sell-on clause may do the trick.

Ned Holmes

Harry Souttar’s stock is really high after the World Cup and Leicester City aren’t in a great place so Stoke City should be looking to take advantage of their strong negotiating position.

Alex Neil won’t want to lose one of his best players midway through the season, particularly given the Potters’ Championship status looks under threat.

Souttar looked the real deal at the World Cup in Qatar and has done so in the Championship for some time.

A smart defender that has the physicality to dominate games both on the ground and in the air, the 24-year-old is a real asset and is under contract until 2025.

Given his value is unlikely to drop between now and the summer, the Potters should hold out for a deal worth in the region of £20 million – whether that’s up front or including some add-ons.