Joe Savage insists Harry Souttar is the transfer benchmark if Hearts end up selling Kye Rowles.
The Aussie international penned a new five-year deal just months after arriving in the capital from Australia. A stellar World Cup in the heart of Australia’s defence alongside Souttar meant there was interest in the defender, but sporting director Savage was quick to head that off by rewarding Rowles for his impressive start to life in maroon with a long-term deal.
Souttar - brother of ex-Jambos star John - made a deadline day move to Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City for £15million. Savage wants Rowles at Tynecastle for a few years yet, but admitted that the club can now point to Souttar’s switch following an impressive World Cup in Qatar alongside Rowles when setting their asking price for the Socceroo. It’s unlikely to be the same fee, but that money involved in that deal strengthens Hearts’ position when it comes to fielding offers for Rowles.
