Football
Exclusive: Sheffield United in Talks with Leicester City’s Harry Souttar Over Summer Return
Leicester City's Harry Souttar may re-join Sheffield United if they secure Premier League promotion. Souttar, recovering from injury, could return to the Blades as they aim to strengthen their squad under new ownership. United are willing to invest in players like Souttar to succeed in the top flight.
Hull City AFC v Sheffield United FC - Sky Bet Championship by George Wood | Getty Images
Leicester City’s Harry Souttar could be offered the chance to rejoin Sheffield United this summer, providing Chris Wilder’s side secure a Premier League return, according to sources close to SportsBoom.
The centre-half, who has been capped 36 times by Australia, spent the first half of the season on loan at Bramall Lane before rupturing an Achilles tendon.
Now undergoing treatment at his parent club, Souttar remains highly regarded by Wilder and former teammates alike.
With new owners now in situ following a protracted takeover process, that is expected to see United enquire about the former Stoke City defender’s availability should they gain promotion from the Championship.
Despite the serious nature of his injury, which occurred during the Boxing Day fixture against fellow top-flight hopefuls Burnley, Souttar’s progress towards fitness has been significant enough to allow him to watch Wilder’s men in action against Preston North End earlier this month.
He later thanked United supporters for the “lovely reception” they granted him after entering the stadium and is also thought to have visited the dressing room where Wilder and his players were preparing for the fixture.
UNCERTAIN FUTURE
Despite being under contract until 2028, Souttar is facing an uncertain future at the KP Stadium having effectively been declared surplus to requirements by Ruud van Nistelrooy’s predecessor Steve Cooper.
Although the Dutchman will review the 26-year-old’s position in the east Midlands once his rehabilitation is complete, United believe they would be in a position to tempt Souttar back to South Yorkshire if they replace City, who are currently battling for survival, in the Premier League next term.
The North American consortium which recently bought out Saudi Arabian royal Prince Abdullah bin Mosa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has already signalled its ambition by handing Wilder a potential £13m to acquire Souttar’s one-time City colleague Tom Cannon during the January transfer window.
If United go up, they are expected to spend big again in an effort to establish his squad at the highest level.
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