Former Celtic scout John Park wants reported Bhoys target in January

By John McGinley

December 28, 2021

Blackburn Rovers are working on a pre-contract agreement with reported Celtic target John Souttar as the race for his signature heats up, The Lancashire Telegraph reports.

Rovers are leading a push for players in Scotland aided by head of recruitment John Park, who used to have a similar role at Lennoxtown from the Gordon Strachan era through to Brendan Rodgers’ spell.

Last month, Celtic were named as one of the teams interested in Souttar’s signature after impressive form for Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and for Scotland in World Cup qualifying.

With his injury problems seemingly behind him, Souttar is undoubtedly one of the hottest upcoming free agents on the market from Scotland. It would be silly if Celtic weren’t at least in the conversation.

Stoke City and Rangers have also been credited with an interest, but it’s Rovers who are hoping to steal a march and agree on a deal with the defender shortly.

Rovers currently sit third in the English Championship and are looking to make a sustained promotion push to the riches and spotlight of the Premier League, which would no doubt be of interest to Souttar.

With Stoke also hoping to make the playoffs, Souttar has viable options south of the border if he sees a future away from Scottish football.

Ultimately Celtic’s focus may well be on midfield and attacking targets, with a host of J-League talents linked.

However, if we’re looking for a solid Premiership defender on a budget, who can play a bit with the ball at his feet – we could do a lot worse than Souttar.

In other news, “I wasn’t given a fair chance”; 2017 Celtic signing gives his side of the story.