George Overhill

Mon 11 September 2023 18:40, UK

Harry Souttar being stuck in “purgatory” at Leicester City after failing to get a move to Rangers before the deadline is in focus after an error that saw Mexico equalise against Australia, according to ESPN.

Joey Lynch wrote on the outlet’s website (11 September) that the “towering titan of defensive fortitude” had been excellent during the 2-2 draw a day earlier before a mix-up with keeper Mat Ryan, attributed to a “lack of match sharpness” saw Cesar Huerta score.

But after the defender had been “looking to escape” his situation in the English Championship to join brother John at Rangers, only for the deadline shut with him still a Foxes player, his lack of football has “kick-started a conversation for the future”.

It had been reported by The 4th Official that a late move to add the centre-back to Michael Beale’s squad had been blocked by an inability to shift Ben Davies before the deadline.

Blocked

Souttar isn’t the only centre-back called Harry with a “sizeable head” who is currently more of an international player than a club player, with England’s Harry Maguire having surpassed his action for Manchester United so far this season in the course of one match against Ukraine during the current international break.

As with the former Old Trafford captain, a lack of match practice seems like it may be an issue going forward for Souttar if he isn’t brought into the fold by Enzo Maresca at Leicester.

The situation at the King Power might have undercut what looks to have been an otherwise outstanding defensive performance from the Australian, where he also scored the opener.

Had he succeeded in joining Rangers before the deadline it is likely that he would be in line for more game time that he is currently set for in the English second tier, unless there is a significant change of direction from Maresca, and might leave all parties involved in the failed Ibrox move cursing how the end of the transfer window turned out.

The indication is that Rangers were ready to pull the plug on Davies’ time with the club after just a year in order to bring in a second Souttar brother to fill the gap.

And if there is no increase in his playing time in the intervening months it may be a question on the agenda again in January.

But with Beale currently struggling to cling onto his job, a possible change in the Light Blues dug-out could put an end to the interest.

At this stage the Australian set-up may have preferred a Gers move to keep the giant centre-back in form, but he remains a Leicester man for the foreseeable future as potentially one that got away for Beale.

In other Rangers news, a potential switch for a popular SPFL manager at Ibrox has been given a “harsh as it sounds” verdict.