Last week, the Express reported that Rangers are planning a seven-figure transfer move for John Souttar.
Since then, the 22-year-old has played a major role in Hearts reaching the Scottish Cup final.
He scored and helped keep a clean sheet as the Jambos defeated Inverness Caley Thistle at Hampden, proving he has a taste for the big occasion.
Now, though, the perfect Ibrox audition beckons.
The £1.13m-rated Scotland international [Transfermarkt] has an ideal platform from which to impress Steven Gerrard, as Rangers take on Hearts at Tynecastle, this afternoon.
Alfredo Morelos may be missing, but the centre-back will likely come up against the wily Jermain Defoe and a red hot Scott Arfield.
From set pieces, the likes of Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic are also likely to test out his ability in the air.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
Clearly, Gerrard will want to take three points today.
However, if Souttar puts in a commanding display and helps the home side to another clean sheet, it might just make up the Gers manager’s mind to commit to getting the young defender.
Craig Levein claimed during the week that he didn’t think his player would move to Rangers [BBC Sport], yet while he denied all knowledge of the rumours when questioned, Souttar himself didn’t rule it out [Sunday Post].
It seems unlikely the prospect of an Ibrox move wouldn’t turn his head.
Therefore, with the perfect audition lined up today, he could be feeling extra motivation to perform.
