Rangers have been linked (Edinburgh Live) with Hearts Of Midlothian defender John Souttar in the past few days. The defender had signed a new contract with the Jambos in January, and it was surprising to see him being linked with Rangers. Hearts manager had his say on the latest transfer rumours and described it as ‘the usual crap’.
What did Craig Levein say?
The Hearts boss was quoted as saying, ”John is the most laid back kid I have ever met in my life. It will take a lot to get John excited, and I haven’t felt the need to speak to him about it. It’s just the usual crap, eh? We are coming up to a game against Rangers, and there is speculation about one of our players. I’m not sure John would want to go there, to be honest.”
The fact that Levein mentions that Souttar won’t be interested in joining Rangers is going to be a blow for Steven Gerrard. The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the best defenders in the Premiership. Many experts claim that he is the very best around even though he is still in his early twenties.
One thing that is clear though is that the centre back is going to improve further from here onwards and he can be a colossal signing for Rangers if they get him.
Why Rangers need a defender?
Joe Worrall has been regular for Rangers this season as Gerrard has usually gone with the defensive pair of Worrall and Connor Goldson. However, Worrall is just on loan, and Nottingham Forest are likely to get their man back in the summer. Another loan spell looks out of bounds at the moment as the Tricky Trees’ new boss Martin O’Neill wants Worrall back for the next season.
Another defender whom Gerrard would lose is Gareth McAuley. The Northern Irish centre back was just signed on a year-long deal last summer. After making a minimal impact, we don’t see the Bears offering the 39-year-old a new contract. Therefore the Gers are set to lose two defenders in the upcoming summer transfer window. So it is essential for the club to look for strong centre back options.
Why Souttar fits the bill?
The Scottish international is mature beyond his years, and he has all the defensive attributes necessary to thrive in this league. Rangers can have a real long term option if they manage to secure the defender’s signature. Gerrard should go ahead and put in a bid in the summer to test Souttar’s and Levein’s resolve.
