Why John Souttar looks likely to stay at Rangers as spokesman issues update

Rangers defender John Souttar had looked to be on his way to Greek side Aris Thessaloniki.

The Greek transfer window is still open until 15 September, offering the Scotsman a route out of Ibrox.

Under Derek McInnes, Souttar has been out of favour with the centre-back yet to feature so far.

Souttar was set to complete his medical with Aris, putting an end to his four-year spell in G51.

However, that move looks to be no longer moving forward, providing a twist in this late transfer swoop.

With a spokesman from the Greek side detailing why the move is on the edge of collapse.

What issue is holding up John Souttar's Rangers exit?

Souttar will have to leave Rangers to get regular game time, with McInnes preferring other options within his squad.

Aris Thessaloniki had looked to be a last-gasp chance for the Scotsman to secure a move away.

However, that deal is on the verge of collapsing.

As relayed by the Daily Record, a spokesman for Aris Thessaloniki has shared that Souttar has "financial issues with Rangers" and that it looks like he will remain with the Glasgow side.

So far, Rangers and Souttar have not found an agreement over the issue seemingly holding up the deal.

All hope is not lost, as it appears Aris are still looking to secure the transfer for Souttar.

With it being stated the Greek Super league side are putting in "a final effort" to get this deal over the line.

There is still plenty of time for things to turn around, with the Greek window open for a few days yet.

What next for Souttar if move completely falls through?

Other than the Greek league, there are not many other attractive prospects for Souttar left.

Armenia (which closes today, 12 September), Slovakia, Serbia and Israel are the only other UEFA-associated nations that still have an open transfer window alongside Greece.

So, Souttar may very well end up remaining at Rangers until January.

At 29 years old, the Scotsman does offer valuable experience, and while he may not be in McInnes' plans, he could still have a role to play in the dressing room.

With McInnes previously stating that, should a move fail to materialise, he will honour the defender's contract and bring him back into the fold.

That looks to be the case now.