Souttar was first linked with a move to Derby County when Steve McClaren was last in charge at Pride Park.
Derby County are keen to lure John Souttar away from Hearts with a £1-million-plus offer this summer, according to the Scottish Sun.
Derby have long been linked with a move for Souttar, who their former boss Steve McClaren admitted to watching in December 2016, and are said to have continued to monitor the Scotland Under-21 centre-back.
The Scottish Sun reports that Hearts are in a strong position to deal with any bids for Souttar, but adds that Derby could be the first to make a move – although much could depend on the division in which the Rams are playing next season.
Derby, who returned to the Championship’s top six on Tuesday, are set too lose defenders Jason Shackell and Chris Baird at the end of their contracts this summer.
Brother to brother?
A move to Pride Park could appeal to Souttar for more than just football reasons, with his younger brother Harry on the books of nearby Stoke City.
Would Souttar be a good addition to Derby’s back line?