Blackburn Rovers rival Sunderland for Souttar
Blackburn Rovers have joined Sunderland in the race for Scottish teenage starlet John Souttar, with Dundee United looking to sell to the highest bidder.
Sunderland saw a £400,000 bid rejected for Souttar during the transfer window after being impressed by the 16-year-old’s fast-track promotion to the first-team picture in the SPL.
Sunderland are expected to return with an improved offer for Souttar in the January transfer window, as the club looks to expand its model of signing promising youngsters and developing them.
But the Sunderland Echo understands that Sunderland will face competition from Blackburn, with the Championship outfit also keeping a close eye on the centre-half.
That is welcome news for Dundee, who are looking to maximise their return on Souttar.
It is thought that Dundee have not set an asking price for Souttar, but will encourage the prospect of a bidding war between several interested parties, in the hope of driving the fee up.