John Souttar to make decision next week as Rangers one of three clubs now in frame
Rangers are in a three-way battle for Hearts ace John Souttar, according to Daily Record, and he has been in talks with suitors over a pre-contract deal.
The Scotland international centre-back, 25, is also wanted by English Championship duo Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United, with a decision expected early next week from him.
Should he opt to remain in Scotland, it is believed Souttar would prefer a move to Ibrox in January as opposed to moving for free in the summer, and that means Rangers will have to thrash out a transfer fee for a winter deal.
Massive deal
Light Blues boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst wants at least one centre-back this month given the contract situation of Connor Goldson.
The Englishman is out of contract at the end of 2021-22, and Rangers are likely to lose him for free in the summer.
They need to start preparing for the possibility of an eventual departure, and bringing in Souttar this month makes sense.
He has earned a Scotland recall since bouncing back from two career-threatening injuries, and the Premiership defending champions could do with such a strong character in their dressing room.
Rangers have had to play left-back Calvin Bassey at centre-back at times this season due to injuries to Leon Balogun and Filip Helander, and bringing in Souttar will be massive without a doubt.
He has been a key player for Hearts since overcoming his Achilles tendon woes, and the chance to win domestic silverware and play Champions League football with Rangers could appeal to him ahead of a move to England.
In other Rangers news, a report has shared which players GvB will allow to leave Ibrox this month.