Andy Halliday says Rangers can get John Souttar in January
Rangers will have to provide a “financial benefit” to Hearts if they want to sign John Souttar this month, according to Andy Halliday.
The centre-back has already signed a pre-contract agreement to move to Ibrox but his Tynecastle teammate thinks decent money could bring the transfer forward.
He told Open Goal, as quoted by Football Scotland: “Hearts will look at it and think of the financial benefit if they finish third and get into Europe.
“They’ve got a better chance of doing that if John Souttar is obviously there.
“If Rangers want John Souttar in January then they are going to need to make it to the financial benefit of Hearts.”
Tug of war
Gers will be very pleased to have secured the signature of a player described as “world-class” by his current teammate Josh Ginnelly (Edinburgh News), with their other centre-backs’ futures unclear.
Bringing in any transfer target without having to pay a transfer fee is always an attractive proposition for any club, but it might make sense for both sides if the move happens in January.
The Scotland international was subjected to boos from some sections of his own fans during the Jambos win over St Johnstone in the first game back after the transfer was confirmed.
And while Halliday has backed his teammate to play through any negative reaction due to his mental strength, the potential for a difficult atmosphere when he features for the remainder of the season could negate some of the benefit of keeping him.
Of course the Edinburgh side will risk fans wrath if they appear to be capitulating to the Light Blues, but a reasonable amount for a man who is already due to leave might make sense, even if his playing ability will be a loss.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst will want all the help he can get after the slip at Aberdeen, and any further dropped points may hasten to move.
In other Rangers news, the club have received a big blow ahead of the Old Firm derby.