Derby County are in “pole position” to land Hearts defender John Souttar this summer in a £5million swoop, according to a report.
According to TeamTalk, Frank Lampard’s side are set to beat Rangers to Souttar’s signature with the reported asking price proving too much for Steven Gerrard’s Gers.
Souttar has enjoyed an impressive season for the Jambos as they have reached the final of the Scottish Cup and secured a top-six finish in the league.
The Scotland international has made 31 appearances so far this term, scoring once, and has been a central figure in Craig Levein’s side.
Derby are reported to be under a soft transfer embargo at the minute which could hinder any plans to sign Souttar but it should likely be resolved by the summer.
Lampard’s side are currently in a position to secure a playoff place after beating QPR on Monday to climb into sixth in the table.
The Rams have a game in hand over their nearest challengers and will be hoping to book their place in the final three games.
With an Edinburgh derby this weekend for Hearts, Souttar and his Jambos team-mates will be aiming to get over the disappointment of last week’s 3-1 defeat by Rangers at Tynecastle.