John Souttar's Rangers to Celtic transfer claim leads to blunt response

John Souttar seems to have admirers among the Celtic fanbase after being made available for transfer at Rangers.

Derek McInnes doesn't count the Scotland international as part of his plans this season and he's now in search of a new club.

The centre-back was left out of the Gers' travelling squad for the pre-season camp in Spain to sort out his future, but is yet to find a new club.

Souttar has vast experience of the Scottish top flight, with his spell at Ibrox likely coming to an end.

On the other end of Glasgow, Martin O'Neill is ramping up his squad rebuild at Parkhead, spending big money on Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran recently.

The Hoops have now been told that a move for the Govan side's defender wouldn't be the worst shout as he prepares for an exit.

Is John Souttar transfer to Celtic from Rangers realistic?

Ibrox News have covered reports of Leicester City's interest in Souttar as Russell Martin looks to reunite with him.

One Celtic fan called into Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on 1 August and suggested that the Scotland international could be a decent addition to O'Neill's squad.

While the Light Blues don't seem to have any intention of keeping the defender, it's highly unlikely they will let him move to Parkhead.

No senior player has ever transferred directly from the Govan side to the Hoops in the modern era and it's hard to see that happening with the 29-year-old

Speaking on the possibility of Celtic signing Souttar on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Gordon Dalziel said, "No, I don't see that happening."

Why Derek McInnes U-turn with John Souttar feels more plausible

As things stand, Emmanuel Fernandez, Ben Godfrey and Olwethu Makhanya are the three natural centre-back options McInnes is relying on for the 2026-27 campaign.

The Scottish manager has admitted that the South Africa international still has some visa issues to finalise before being able to play for the Gers.

Godfrey was substituted during the Govan side's 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice Park in the opening game of the season.

If the Atalanta loanee is out for long, McInnes may be forced to bring Souttar back into the fold due to a lack of options at centre-back.

Ross McCrorie and Dujon Sterling can play as central defenders, but there's no sense in not using the ex-Hearts ace while he's still at Ibrox.