Tam McManus: John Souttar would walk into Rangers starting XI
Tam McManus has insisted that Hearts defender John Souttar would walk into Rangers’ starting XI this season.
The Scotsman has enjoyed a brilliant return to the Scottish Premiership and even scored that fairytale goal against Denmark for Scotland in November.
Souttar has been linked with a move to Ibrox already this season and can open pre-contract talks immediately according to The Sun.
Writing on his personal Twitter account after their 1-0 defeat at Celtic on Thursday (2nd December), McManus was clear in his opinion.
“Souttar thus far has been very impressive for Hearts,” he wrote. “Cruised it.
“Walks into both Old Firm teams. He’s been superb this season now he’s getting a run injury-free.”
Perfect timing.
It’s not often we say this, but McManus is spot on with his verdict.
Given that Rangers and any club for that matter can open pre-contract talks from this very moment, it looks as though the race is bound to heat up.
There is still strong exit speculation surrounding Connor Goldson, and there would be no better replacement than Souttar at this moment in time should he leave.
The Hearts man has brilliant experience, is shining on the international stage and fits the bargain profile that Ross Wilson has been looking for in recent years.
Calvin Bassey has shined at the heart of the defence in recent weeks, but it is clear with injuries to the likes of Filip Helander and Leon Balogun, this is the area that Giovanni van Bronckhorst must strengthen.
There have also been links to Vitesse skipper Danilho Doekhi, but Souttar has to be the prime target – he simply ticks every box.
In other Rangers news, an official club partner has fired back at Tom English after his latest bitter jibe at the Bears