Boro still in the hunt for Hearts star Souttar amid Gers interest
Middlesbrough are reported to be among a host of clubs chasing Hearts defender John Souttar.
His current contract ends this summer and reports in Scotland claim he could look to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club this month.
Boro are looking to strengthen under Chris Wilder as they push for promotion back to the Premier
League.
Reports suggest several clubs are tracking the defender.
Rangers, Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City have all been linked, with Boro also among the clubs named.
The Edinburgh Evening News report: “John Souttar will hold formal pre-contract talks in England over the coming days once he decides which clubs hold the greatest appeal.
“The number of teams pursuing the Hearts defender is into double figures, with Rangers and Sheffield United joining others including Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City and Middlesbrough.”
Meanwhile, one of Boro’s Championship promotion rivals could be set to part with a player.
Portsmouth are said to be eyeing a defender from Championship club Blackburn Rovers.
The Portsmouth News state Hayden Carter has moved to the head of Pompey’s list of defensive targets.
Portsmouth head coach Danny Cowley is keen to bring the promising Rovers defender in on loan in the January window.
Portsmouth are currently 13 points behind Sunderland in the League One table with the Black Cats occupying second position whilst Pompey sit eighth.
Reports claim, however, that Blues are waiting to see if Tony Mowbray is prepared to let the 22-year-old leave Ewood Park this month.
Rovers are pushing for promotion to the Premier League and are currently third ahead of their Saturday clash with Cardiff City.
Cowley is said to be desperate to add a powerful right-sided central defender to his options as he reshapes his squad heading into the second half of the season.
Carter has made 10 Blackburn appearances this season but currently has four players currently ahead of him in the pecking order at Ewood Park.