Everton are ready to fork out €24 million to acquire the services of Stoke City defender Harry Souttar in January.
According to Fichajes, Everton have stepped up their pursuit of Harry Souttar. The Premier League outfit is increasingly vigilant about the need to reshape the squad properly, with head coach Rafa Benitez particularly keen on shoring up his options at the back.
Souttar has emerged as one of Benitez’s top targets for the upcoming January transfer window. The Toffees have been linked with a move for the Stoke City centre-back this season, and it appears they are ready to fork out €24 million to acquire his services.
A native of Aberdeen, Souttar has enjoyed immense success since joining Stoke City from Dundee United in 2016. He initially had to prove himself on a couple of loan spells at Ross County and Fleetwood Town before making his breakthrough last season.
The defender was involved in 38 matches for the Potters in the Championship. His work ethic and a rather imposing 2.01m frame have seen him even being regarded as one of the best defenders in the English second division. As such, the 23-year-old has become one of the most in-demand players in the Championship right now.
Everton are ready to snap up Souttar as early as January, as Benitez looks to reshape his defensive unit. Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey have been ever-present figures in the starting eleven under the Spaniard so far. But the team’s third-choice centre-back in Yerry Mina is facing an uncertain future at the club amid interest from AC Milan.
Harry Souttar, to that end, could prove to be a useful addition to this Everton side. The Stoke City star can replace Mina in the team and add some much-needed competition for Godfrey, Keane, and Mason Holgate.
However, Everton are not alone in the pursuit of the Australian international. As per reports, Tottenham Hotspur have already joined the race to sign Souttar in January. They have the financial firepower and are actively looking for defensive reinforcements as well.
The Toffees’ reported €24 million offer could give them the upper hand in this contest, but an interesting transfer duel could be on the cards as we move closer towards the January window.
