Michael Stewart does not see Rangers signing John Souttar in January
Michael Stewart does not see Rangers completely a permanent move for John Souttar and buying him outright in January.
This week, Gers announced that they will be signing him on a Bosman transfer for free at the end of the season after his deal expires.
However, given Connor Goldson’s uncertain future, many wanted the 25-year-old to move to the Ibrox right away.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Stewart said, “Hearts are a better side with John Souttar in the team, so I don’t see there being any issue at all [with the playing him].
“Robbie [Neilson, Hearts manager] has to protect him, I don’t think there will be any serious backlash and he does play him, of course he does.
“But this if football and deals get done all the time. I’d be very surprised if this deal gets done in January personally.”
Makes sense
While Rangers would want Souttar to join in January, they would have to pay a significant amount of money.
Instead, it would make more financial sense to wait until the end of the season and then have him arrive on a free.
For January, if they decide to cash in on Goldson, then they could look to make a stopgap free agent signing.
Alternatively, they could even enter the loan market and possibly bring in a Premier League defender for the next five months and give him game time.
It remains to be seen what Ross Wilson and the rest of the Rangers hierarchy decide to do.
In other Rangers news, Chris Jack has made a Rangers exit claim after a major development this week