Rangers could have a new centre-half signed in time to face Celtic in the new year Old Firm derby, if Ross Wilson moves quickly, otherwise, he could be lining up for the other team.
A report in The Scottish Sun claims that there are multiple clubs keeping an eye on Scotland international, John Souttar, with the centre-half able to speak to clubs about a pre-contract move from the 1st of December due to his contract ending in May.
He wouldn’t be officially able to play for a new club until January and even this would require a transfer fee to see him released by Hearts but as the article states, the Edinburgh outfit would be keen to ensure that they don’t lose the 25-year old for nothing:
“Nine English Championship sides are chasing Souttar, who marked his first Scotland cap in three years by netting the opening goal in the 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Denmark last week.
“Rangers and Celtic have both been credited with an interest — and his exit would be a massive blow for manager Robbie Neilson. Souttar has fought back from three Achilles tendon ruptures and there’s a feeling that Hearts missed the boat in not acting at the start of the year to secure an extended deal.
“A pre-contract elsewhere would almost certainly leave Jambos chiefs looking to cash him in once the January window opens in an attempt to recoup a fee and avoid a free summer departure.”
Souttar’s display against Denmark silence a lot of the critics that thought he might not be good enough for Rangers, many forgetting just how good he was before suffering the first of his Achilles tendon ruptures.
With Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey heading to the African Cup of Nations and Filip Helander still no closer to returning to action, a move for Souttar makes a lot of sense, not only would it solve a short-term problem, but if Connor Goldson doesn’t sign an extension to his own contract, we have a ready made replacement already in place.
We have been watching him for a long time now and for all that there is an element of risk because of his injury history, on a free transfer or cheap deal, it is a risk worth taking.
Rangers should remove Goldson asap not good enough