John Souttar decides on next club as Derek McInnes vindicated at Rangers

John Souttar is attracting plenty of interest after being allowed to leave Rangers.

The Scotland international and Danilo were left out of Derek McInnes' pre-season squad that travelled to Spain.

Since then, the defender has been searching for his next club, with destinations emerging down south.

Souttar is wanted by clubs in the English Championship and League One as he prepares to say goodbye at Ibrox.

Russell Martin wants to reunite with the 29-year-old at Leicester City, with Sheffield United, Watford and Cardiff City also in the transfer race.

McInnes is looking to build a competitive squad at the Glaswegian outfit and his decision to sell the experienced centre-back may be vindicated.

What John Souttar feels about Rangers exit

Souttar has been given time off by the Gers to make a decision over his future.

The Light Blues are looking to get a seven-figure sum from the defender's sale at Ibrox, with his current contract expiring next summer.

Souttar joined the Glaswegian outfit with high expectations, but persistent fitness issues have hampered his career in G51.

Right after the Scotland international made his debut for the Govan side, Barry Ferguson said, "Give the boy a bit of time. He’s a top-quality defender, but coming to a club like Rangers brings a completely different level of pressure. People need to back him."

Souttar has since had plenty of time at Ibrox, but McInnes feels it's best to let him leave despite a lack of options at centre-back.

According to the Daily Record on 21 July, with several Championship clubs keen on the ex-Hearts ace, he doesn't want to drop down to League One.

What the interest in the Scot does reveal, though, is that top teams aren't really considering him.

If the Light Blues want to make progress in the league and Europe, they undoubtedly need players of that calibre.

Why Derek McInnes next signings clear at Ibrox

Ibrox News have been following Rangers' pursuit of Vanja Dragojevic and the Partizan midfielder is expected to be their seventh signing soon.

The Gers have signed a goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and a striker this summer, but there's still clearly a lot of work to be done.

McInnes can't go into next season with Emmanuel Fernandez and Ben Godfrey as his only two senior centre-back options.

A backup left-back should also be on the agenda, with defensive reinforcements surely at the top of the Glaswegian outfit's agenda.