Celtic hijack of Harry Souttar to Rangers transfer pitched as alternative Brendan Rodgers 'surprise' named

John Hartson has addressed the prospect of Celtic making a move for Harry Souttar this month – amid interest from Rangers ahead of Friday night’s transfer deadline.

The Leicester City defender is well down the pecking order at the King Power Stadium following the arrival of Enzo Maresca and has not been included in a matchday squad so far this term – having only made a £15million move the Foxes in January. Reports south of the border suggest the English Championship side would be willing to allow the Australia international to leave the club on loan just months after his arrival – with Rangers named as an interested party.

But Michael Beale may not be the only boss keeping tabs on the situation as Brendan Rodgers in the green half of the city could be monitoring the situation as well. Rodgers brought the Australia international to Leicesterand with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh all sidelined through injury a potential move to the Hoops has been floated.

But while Celtic hero Hartson conceded his former club are in dire need of a centre-back, he reckons Alistair Johnston could move into the heart of the defence with derby day in Glasgow fast approaching. Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, host Paul Cooney asked if Hartson could see Celtic "swoop in" for Souttar amid speculation over a move to Rangers.

The Welshman responded: “I don’t know what Harry Souttar is thinking. I don’t know whether Brendan thinks he’s a good fit. You are right, Celtic need centre-backs.

“Nawrocki is injured, he is out for a while. We might see a complete change. You have got Alistair Johnston, who might move into a centre-half position and Ralston will start because of Johnston’s ability to play on that