Leicester City are reportedly regarded as the favourites to sign Stoke City defender Harry Souttar during the January transfer window.

Up until November, Souttar had spent a year on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, but the centre-back has since significantly enhanced his reputation.

The 24-year-old starred for Australia at the World Cup, making four starts and guiding the Socceroos to the last 16 where they narrowly lost to eventual winners Argentina.

Upon his return to the Potteries, Souttar successfully came through 90 minutes in five successive games before being handed a rest at the weekend.

With two-and-a-half years remaining on Souttar's contract, Stoke will not necessarily be forced to cash in on the player before the end of the month.

However, the Championship side will recognise that his valuation may have reached its peak on the back of his performances on the global stage.

According to the Daily Record, Leicester are at the front of the queue in the race for his signature.

Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers has allegedly sent scouts to assess the capabilities of Souttar at a time when Leicester are likely to soon require reinforcements.

Caglar Soyuncu is being heavily linked with a transfer to Atletico Madrid before the end of the current window or in the summer on a free transfer.

Furthermore, Wesley Fofana departed for Chelsea last year and Jonny Evans is currently dealing with injury issues, leaving Rodgers light in the middle of his defence.

West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly ready to rival Leicester over the coming weeks with both clubs also in the market for fresh faces.

Although the Hammers are well stocked for central-defensive options, they currently sit in 17th position in the Premier League standings after a poor first half to the campaign.

Meanwhile, Julen Lopetegui wants more alternatives in his Wolves squad with Nathan Collins, Max Kilman and Toti Gomes the only three senior options in the middle of the backline. body check tags ::