Blackburn Rovers open talks to sign Rangers target John Souttar

English Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers have reportedly opened talks to sign Rangers target and Hearts defender John Souttar.

According to The Daily Record, they have opened pre-contract discussions as the Scotland international's contract expires at the end of the season.

Gers were keen on signing the 25-year-old under Steven Gerrard and are still interested with Giovanni van Bronckhorst at the helm.

The Scottish Daily Mail (17 November) claimed that Souttar has been placed on a list of available options even before Van Bronckhorst was made the new manager.

Geographic disadvantage

As Hearts play in the same league as Rangers, the defending champions cannot open discussions with the player in January.

They can for players currently at English or any other European clubs, but not for those in Scotland.

Blackburn opening talks are no guarantees of him joining them for sure but it is a significant step taken in that direction.

However, Souttar, who has been labelled as "fantastic", may wait and see how this season pans out as they're still in the second division.

Promotion is not guaranteed and failure to achieve that could see Souttar look elsewhere.

He could have the chance to win league titles and also possibly play in the Champions League at Rangers, something that is not going to happen at Blackburn.

It remains to be seen what the Scotland international decides and Gers could tempt him to join in January as well by making a transfer offer for his services.

This could hinge on Connor Goldson's future at the club and if there are plans to cash in on him in January.

In other Rangers news, the club want to sign an ‘All-action’ attacker from a European club under financial pressure