Out of all the players in the Rangers squad who are approaching an Ibrox crossroads, the situation with John Souttar is a stand-out.
The big Scotland international centre-back, 28, is about to enter the final year of his Rangers contract with a big decision to be made on his future.
Addressing the press ahead of the Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee United, John Souttar has hinted that he is keen to extend his stay in Glasgow.
But with decisions to be made on several players, the defender has also appealed for one of his most influential Ibrox teammates to be handed a new contract.
John Souttar discusses Rangers future
John Souttar signed a four year contract when he joined Rangers on a pre-contract from Hearts in the summer of 2022.
Over the last three seasons, injuries have badly disrupted the defender’s time in Glasgow but earlier in this season the centre-back found some consistency.
This was disrupted with an injury sustained before a defining festive run of fixtures and there have been some unconvincing moments for the centre-back.
When asked for an update on his own contract situation, Souttar said: “No, I’ve heard nothing, I’ve heard nothing at all. So no, nothing.”
Souttar would then go on to hint that he is open to extending his contract at Ibrox.
When asked if he hopes the incoming manager would view him as a part of Rangers’ plans, Souttar said: “Yeah, fingers crossed.”
John Souttar hopes for new Leon Balogun deal
John Souttar’s defensive partner Leon Balogun faces an ever more impending situation with regards his own Rangers future.
The Nigerian international centre-back is about to turn 37 and is out of contract in the summer.
Balogun has made an impassioned plea to Rangers as he looks to earn another year’s contract extension.
Souttar knows the centre-back very well and admits it would be a positive thing to see him stay at Ibrox.
”Balogun has been a great servant to Rangers,” said Souttar. “I think he’s made it clear that he wants to stay.
”Obviously that’s out of his hands and everyone else’s hands but yeah, it’d be good to see him stay.
”He’s a senior figure in the dressing room. Alongside Skip (Tavernier), he’s been here for a long time and he’s enjoyable to play with as well.
”You need characters at a club like this. You need experience and that’s what he brings.”
