An EFL transfer saga involving a defender named Souttar always looked likely in January but after the events of the last week, it may be centred around John Souttar and not his brother Harry. 

The latter has turned heads in the Premier League with his impressive form for Stoke City in the first few months of 2021/22 but suffered a nasty injury while on international duty for Australia on the weekend, which may mean he doesn't leave the Potteries in the winter window.

His brother could well join him in the Championship, though, with Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough, and Stoke all linked with offering him a move to the English second tier.

According to The Scottish Sun, the injury to Harry Souttar could see the Potters intensify their efforts to sign his older brother in January but something else that has happened during the international break has highlighted why winning the race for John Souttar could be massive.

The Hearts centre-back's impressive form in domestic football saw him return to the Scotland squad for the November international break after a difficult few years away from the national side due to injury issues and last night he had what could become a watershed moment in his career.

A 2-0 win over Denmark helped Steve Clarke's side ensure that their play-off for the 2022 Qatar World Cup will be a home tie, which is a massive boost to their hopes of qualification.

Souttar opened the scoring for Scotland by nodding in his first international goal from a corner but the central defender offered far more than just a threat from set-pieces.

He was excellent defensively – winning three of his four aerial duels and both of his ground duels, as well as making four clearances, blocking one shot, and making one interception (Sofascore).

The 25-year-old's display against a Denmark team that includes plenty of talent from top European leagues and alongside a fair few Premier League players in his own side showcased just what a quality player he is.

He'd be a strong addition for most Championship sides and so the trio in pursuit will know that winning the transfer race for the defender could pay real dividends both now and in the future.