According to reports in the Daily Mail, Southampton and Newcastle United are among the Premier League clubs trailing Dundee defender Jack Hendry, who received a glowing endorsement from Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers after the two clubs met in October.

What's the word, then?

Well, the Daily Mail says that Saints, the Magpies and top flight rivals Crystal Palace are all following the 22-year-old ahead of a possible January move, with the centre-back being compared to John Stones as he is a ball-playing defender that isn't afraid to keep possession and pass out from the back.

Rodgers was quick to praise Hendry in October and, via the Daily Mail, the Northern Irishman said: "The boy Hendry at the back I thought was excellent.

"He's quick and strong and is a good size.

"He's tall, he can run and he can pass. He looks a talent."

The Daily Mail says the former Wigan Athletic defender has just 18 months left on his contract with cash-strapped Scottish Premiership side, and the board are to meet later this week to discuss the defender's future.

How has Hendry done this season?

The 22-year-old has established himself as a key part of the Dundee backline and he has made 21 appearances in all competitions for them this term, scoring two goals.

Would he be a good signing for Southampton or Newcastle?

If he really is similar to John Stones, then of course he could prove to be a great investment.

While he could be one for the future rather than one that is ready to step into a Premier League starting XI right now, the fact that he could potentially be available for a cut-price fee given Dundee's financial problems mean that signing him is a no-brainer and ultimately a risk-free move.

Saints may need another centre-back option if Virgil van Dijk moves on either in January or next summer, while Rafa Benitez may start to look to the future too if Newcastle can secure their top flight status this term.

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