What Aris' new transfer plan means for John Souttar's Rangers future

Rangers defender John Souttar's possible move to Aris Thessaloniki is not entirely dead in the water.

The Scotsman has found himself out of Derek McInnes' plans and in order for guaranteed minutes, a move out of Ibrox will have to happen.

Many transfer windows across the world have already shut, but the Greek market remains open.

Aris Thessaloniki looked to be leading the charge to sign the centre-back, but that move has had late hitches.

Souttar had sought compensation from Rangers in order to complete the move away.

And while Aris have not yet given up on signing the Rangers man, they are beginning to put their next steps in motion.

Are Aris still pursuing John Souttar?

Souttar faces a decision over the next day regarding his future at Rangers.

While the defender's demands are stalling his exit, Aris are not ready to drop their Souttar interest.

However, a new update appears to suggest that may soon be the case in this evolving transfer story.

According to SPORT FM, while a move for Souttar is not yet "abandoned", the Greek outfit now "have another centre-back option open."

Right now, the name of that alternative has not emerged as work to try solve the issues over a deal for Souttar continue to rumble on.

Unfortunately, for Aris, there is little they can do as the problem does arise between Rangers and the defender.

The Greek window shuts on 15 September, so the Thessaloniki side will not wait around forever as they enter into the final day to get deals over the line.

Why Rangers won't have too much concern over Souttar future

Souttar leaving Rangers now would certainly ease a headache for the Gers, with him out of McInnes' plans.

However, while his contract does expire in 2027, meaning they would miss out on an incoming transfer fee, the Bears do have an option to extend the deal by a further year.

So, if Souttar does not complete a move now, the Glasgow side still have an insurance policy to either cash in during the 2027 winter window, or next summer.

It is simply up to Souttar as to whether he will forego his demands at the Ibrox side in order to begin playing regularly again.

And this case will certainly be decided over the next day due to the time constraints with the Greek window.