Going into next season Rangers will be looking to snap up at least two new centre backs. Could Hearts defender and Scotland international John Souttar be one of them?
The former Dundee United centre half is one of the country’s top defensive talents. He knows the Scottish Premiership and at 22, this might be the perfect stage of his career to take the next step.
Souttar now has three caps for Scotland. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Whilst Hearts may demand a decent fee for the player, it could be a shrewd investment by the Ibrox club.
Souttar just signed a contract extension with Hearts in January. It ties him to Tynecastle until 2022. It strengthens the Jambo’s position with the player and shows just how highly he’s rated in Edinburgh.
It means that Rangers would need to spend on the player, but he’s very much in the style Gerrard will be looking to.
Confident on the ball and capable at the back, the centre back also displays plenty of leadership qualities. It’d certainly fill the gap left by Joe Worrall, who says he’s happy to go back to Nottingham Forest come the end of the season [originally The Sun].
Nottingham Forest loanee Joe Worrall will be heading back to the City Ground next season. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
How much would John Souttar cost? You’d be looking at a couple of million to start with. The price would need to be right for both clubs.
But it’s an investment in a player who is proven at this level and who still has plenty of room to grow.
As well as Joe Worrall, Rangers are also likely to replace Gareth McAuley in the summer. The Northern Ireland international’s contract is set to expire come June.
