Dundee United teenager John Souttar has admitted to being flattered by Sunderland’s attention but won’t let it turn his head.
The Tangerines rejected a £400,000-plus bid for Souttar from the Blacks Cats last weekend as it did not match their valuation of the 16-year-old central defender.
Souttar, whose name is already written into the Tannadice club’s history as their youngest-ever first-team debutant, caught the eye of the English Premiership side’s scout when he was watching both him and teammate Ryan Gauld.
The youngster, who was a stand-out for the Scotland under-19 team against Iceland in Stirling on Tuesday night, was aware of the move for his services and also cited the example of James McCarthy as a Scots-born player who has hit the heights in England.
However, while contemplating what could be in the future, he is also relaxed about United having knocked the bid back.
Souttar said: “A few of the boys mentioned it but you try not to think about that. I was just concentrating on the Scotland game, trying to do as best as I can.
“It is flattering coming from clubs like that, the ones you see on Match of the Day. It was nice to hear but you always put it to the back of your mind.
“I am focused on my club football, doing the best I can for United because all that is outwith my control. The gaffer (Jackie McNamara) always gives the young ones a chance if you do well in training and have the right attitude.
“There are a few good boys coming through, which is good. If you do well he won’t think about age. I will never accept just being on the bench. I know a lot of people will say you are just 16 but it never comes into my head.
“I just want to play every game and try and get into the manager’s thoughts. You have seen people going down south and some of them just fading away.
“You see others who have done exceptionally well like James McCarthy getting a move to Everton for £14 million. Everyone looks at McCarthy and how well he has done.
“Everyone wants to play down in England, to play at the highest level possible. So you need to look at both sides.”
Souttar’s fellow United defender Gavin Gunning certainly believes the teenager can benefit from staying at Tannadice a little longer.
Gunning revealed he half-expected to lose both Souttar and Gauld to the bright lights of England’s top flight but is pleased that they are still members of McNamara’s squad.
“The players I thought could go were the two youngest ones Ryan Gauld and John Souttar,” admitted the Irishman. “It was no surprise that there was interest in them.
“As a fellow defender, I know John’s game a bit better (than Gauld’s) and he is really good on the ball and certainly looks a player.
“I think there could be a lot of teams interested in him in future. He might not get too much game time this season, with the more experienced guys in there, but there is still no harm in him staying here for a while longer.
“John can learn off the gaffer and become an even better player with United. What I really like is that both he and Gauldy have exactly the attitude young players should have.
“There is no big-time talk from them. They just come in and do their work every day. You never hear any bad stuff about them. They are just two good, young players.”