Rangers could sign John Souttar this month | OneFootball

Rangers appear to have won the transfer race to sign defender John Souttar, and according to The Herald’s Chris Jack, the Ibrox club could even complete a deal for him this month…

What’s the story?

He said: “Souttar has been the subject of approaches from Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United but Rangers are firmly in the driving seat to secure a pre-contract agreement in the coming days.

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Who did Rangers beat in their first game of 2021?

Celtic Aberdeen St Mirren Ross County

“And the champions could make a late move to strike a deal and land Souttar this month after Hearts have hosted Celtic in a crucial Premiership clash in a fortnight.”

Fans will love it

Souttar has emerged as a cornerstone of this Hearts defence this season in the Scottish Premiership, playing the full 90 minutes in all but two of his side’s games in the league.

Former Hearts manager Craig Levein has previously waxed lyrical about the kind of development he has enjoyed in recent years, declaring: “I’ve known him since he was 12 years old and he’s just got better and better. When he came here from Dundee Utd, we just needed to give him time. He’s grown into the player that I hoped he would be and for me he’s the best centre back in Scotland.

What will have Gers fans buzzing is not just the news that they are in the “driving seat” to secure Souttar’s signature on a pre-contract deal ahead of Championship sides like Blackburn and Sheffield United.

Instead, it’s the added claim from Jack that the Scottish champions could actually bring forward a potential summer deal to this month’s January transfer window and thus giving Giovanni van Bronckhorst another shot in the arm as he looks to retain the Gers’ league title.

Bringing in a centre-back of Souttar’s quality and experience half-way through the season would add to the strength in depth in this Gers squad, and provide another big lift for the club’s supporters.