Derek Clark shares if Rangers will sanction January exit for John Souttar
Derek Clark shared he does not see centre-back John Souttar leaving Rangers in the January transfer window.
The Rangers Review journalist speaking on their YouTube channel (8 December) was asked by a viewer if Rangers will sanction Souttar’s exit to fund a move for Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland to which Clarke replied he does not see it.
The 27-year-old has started just eight games in all competitions this season and just three under new boss Philippe Clement, with two of them coming in the Europa League.
Clark, speaking on the Rangers Review channel (8 December, 25m:54secs), said: “I don’t think we’ll be getting rid of John Souttar.
“I can’t see Souttar leaving in the January window.”
Ibrox future intact
It does seem as if Rangers will need to sell some of their fringe stars in the January window if they are to fund a move for the likes of Hearts’ inform striker Shankland, but as Clark points out Souttar is not one of them.
The 27-year-old has had to undergo a bit-part role at Ibrox this season, featuring in just 13 games in all competitions including the UEFA Champions League qualifying, but under Clement, he’s started just three times.
Conor Goldson and Leon Balogun seem to be Clement’s preferred options at centre-back, with Ben Davies and Souttar behind them in the pecking order.
With three years left on his Ibrox contract, unless Rangers receive a considerable fee for his services, it doesn’t seem as if the former Hearts man will leave Glasgow.
But, the same can’t be said during the summer if Clement wishes to rebuild his defensive options. However, when called upon, Souttar must ensure he’s in tip-top shape and form to prove he has a future beyond the current season.
Every player in Clement’s squad is on high alert regarding their immediate future under the Belgian right now.
In other Rangers news, a journalist spotted “awareness” from the Player of the Match in the recent win against St Mirren.