Socceroo Harry Souttar linked with surprise Premier League switch

A Socceroos star could be in line for a switch to a Premier League side after a legendary striker was spotted scouting the defender.

Socceroos defender Harry Souttar is the subject of heavy interest from Premier League side Everton. Picture: Koki Nagahama/Getty Images

The 2021/22 English Premier League season began without an established Socceroo in a starting line-up, but a mooted switch for star defender Harry Souttar could soon change that.

Souttar, who born in Scotland to an Australian mother, made his Socceroos debut in October 2019 in a World Cup qualifier against Nepal and scored on debut.

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According to The Sun, Everton assistant manager Duncan Ferguson was sent on a scouting mission to watch Souttar in action for Championship side Stoke City against West Bromwich Albion.

Ferguson made over 200 appearances for the Toffees and earned a reputation as a battle-hardened striker.

Souttar, a centre-back, starred alongside former Premier League defender James Chester for Stoke as they emerged with a 1-0 victory against West Brom, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

Harry Souttar was the subject of a scouting mission from Premier League side Everton. Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

Everton’s scouting of Souttar looms as an interesting move, given they are blessed for talent in defensive positions.

Rafa Benitez’s side boast English internationals Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey as well as Colombian star Yerry Mina at centre-back.

However, the report claims Mina is looking at a move to Serie A, the Italian top flight, and Souttar could replace the South American star at the Toffees.

Mina, who towers above his teammates at 195cm, would be a big loss for Everton.

However, Souttar stands at 198cm and would be an able replacement for the Colombian, should he exit Goodison Park.

A move to the Premier League would be the latest feather in the cap for Souttar’s meteoric rise in football.

He began his career with Scottish side Dundee United, before moving to Stoke in September 2016.

Souttar put in a number of brave defensive performances for Australia at the Tokyo Olympics. Picture: Masashi Hara/Getty Images

Souttar broke through in consecutive loan spells with League One side Fleetwood Town in 2019 and 2020, as the 22-year-old put in a number of commanding shifts at the back for The Cod Army.

His performances for Australia at the Olympics no doubt caught the eye of many Aussies tuning in to watch, as Graham Arnold’s side put on a number of gritty displays against Argentina and Spain before a frustrating defeat against Egypt.

Aussies will get their next chance to watch Souttar in action for the Socceroos in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, as the defender was named in Graham Arnold’s 25-man squad for games against Oman and Japan.

Australia kicks off against Oman at 5:30am AEDT on 8 October, and a clash against Asian powerhouse Japan takes place at 9:14pm AEDT on 12 October.