West Ham United are now trailing Leicester City in the race to sign Stoke City defender Harry Souttar, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: West Ham's Souttar interest

It was reported back in December that West Ham were interested in Souttar after the defender impressed at the World Cup with national side Australia, finishing as the fourth-best performing player in the squad, as per SofaScore.

Wolverhampton Wanderers also have the Australian on their radar, with Stoke said to be bracing themselves for offers in January, but it has now been claimed that a different club is leading the way.

The Latest: Leicester in pole

According to a report from the Daily Record (via Leicester Mercury), Leicester are now in pole position to sign the 24-year-old, after conducting numerous scouting missions.

The Hammers and Wolves are both said to 'fancy' the 6 foot 6 giant, but they will now have to make up ground on the Foxes if they are to complete a January deal.

The Verdict: Get it done?

There is not yet any talk of an official bid being lodged by Brendan Rodgers' side, so there is still an opportunity for David Moyes to win the race for the defender's signature, and there are plenty of signs that indicate he would be a very good signing.

The 14-time Australia international has been hailed as 'incredible' by The Athletic's Michael Cox, and his height makes him a towering aerial presence, displaying his dominance in the air by averaging 4.33 aerials won per 90 in the last year, in the 95th percentile compared to other centre-backs.

In truth, the Hammers' defence has not been their main issue this season, conceding just 24 goals, but they could still do with a long-term replacement for Craig Dawson, whose contract expires at the end of the season, and is seeking a move further north.

As such, Souttar could fit the bill, given that he is just coming into his prime.