BBC pundit warns John Souttar over Rangers switch
Steven Pressley believes that John Souttar’s move to Rangers or Celtic could tarnish his image in front of the Hearts fans.
In an interview with Sport Scotland, Pressley, a BBC pundit, said that it shouldn’t stop the defender from making the step up in his career, but he should be aware of what cost it comes at.
Souttar, 25, has been linked with the Scottish giants and also nine other clubs in the EFL.
Pressley said, “All I’m saying is, the Hearts fans that say ‘show the loyalty to the club’… when he’s finished at 35, will they be there to support him for the rest of his life?
“The answer is, and I can assure you of this, the answer is no.
“If you can leave Hearts for a much bigger salary and a place where you could win titles, then I think it’s a good consideration but Hearts have to demonstrate to John that they are serious about those factors themselves.
“Do I think Rangers or Celtic? Quite possibly. It depends on what opportunities he has down south.”
Must sign him
Connor Goldson’s future at Rangers hangs in jeopardy and with his deal running out in the summer there are good chances he leaves.
A number of players may have stayed on because of Steven Gerrard and whether or not they get on well with Giovanni van Bronckhorst is another thing altogether.
It may be hard to keep Goldson who’s got ambitions of playing for England which could be realised if he moves to a Premier League club.
At 25, Souttar is ready for that step up in his career and he could take his game to the next level at the Ibrox as Goldson’s replacement.
Livingston’s assistant manager Marvin Bartley is understood to be a huge fan of the player.
“His positioning was fantastic and that’s what he does seem like – a magnet – because he’s in the right position at the right time,” said Bartley, as quoted by Football Scotland.
The Ibrox faithful would love to have a defender of his calibre at the club and it remains to be seen whether the Gers hierarchy actually make a move for him.
In other Rangers news, the club can open talks win to sign ‘Unbelievable’ PL midfielder in January