According to the latest reports from the Express, Rangers have continued to maintain an interest in Hearts of Midlothian’s defender John Souttar. Reports in the first half of April emerged that Mark Allen, Rangers Director Of Football had identified him as the top target of the summer. However, soon after the reports emerged, Hearts’ manager Craig Levein was quick to rebuff those rumours, and he termed it as ”usual crap”.
However, that hasn’t deterred Rangers, and they are still maintaining an interest in this Scottish international. It remains to be seen whether Rangers will be able to pull off a move for him as they have faced setbacks as of now in pursuit of centre backs.
Edson Mexer decided to move on to Bordeaux even though Gerrard had personally travelled to France to sign him. Recently reports emerged that Oldham Atheltic rejected Rangers’ bid for their young defender George Edmundson. Therefore the manager might be getting desperate to land a defender.
Why Rangers need a centre back desperately?
The Gers are going to lose the services of Joe Worrall and Gareth McAuley in the next few weeks. The club also needs to prepare for the Europa League qualifiers which begins early, so we are expecting the Bears to sign a defender soon as they only have Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson as the only other centre back options for the next season.
Does Souttar fit the bill?
The 22-year-old is often classified as one of the best defenders in the Premiership, and he has gone from strength to strength this season. Souttar has all the assets which a modern-day defender need as he reads the game well and is physically adept at coping up with the challenges of the Premiership. At 22, he looks mature beyond his years, and he has the potential to be the best Scottish defender. Many would arguably call him the best even right now.
Chances of Rangers signing him?
The defender signed a new long term contract with the Jambos in January. Souttar is contracted to stay with Hearts until 2022, and he is unlikely to come in cheap. English outfit Derby County were also linked with him in the past, and they might come into the picture once again.
The Rams are also just a win away from making it to the Premier League so that could also turn out to be a significant factor. His manager indicated that Souttar isn’t likely to move to Ibrox, but Gerrard should look to submit a bid to check Hearts’ resolve.
