While Rangers supporters have been fixated on the imminent arrival of Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya, crucial developments regarding John Souttar’s future at Ibrox may have quietly slipped under the radar.
With manager Derek McInnes actively restructuring his defensive setup ahead of the new campaign, the Light Blues are keen to move on players who do not fit into their primary plans.
According to reports from the Scottish Sun on Monday (27 July), Swansea City have now emerged as a concrete option for the 29-year-old Scotland international.
The Welsh outfit join an increasingly competitive race for Souttar’s signature alongside EFL Championship rivals Watford and Sheffield United.
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Souttar has accumulated over 130 appearances for Rangers since moving to Glasgow, but the rapid defensive overhaul under McInnes has reduced his long-term starting prospects.
With South African World Cup ace Makhanya set to complete his transfer to Ibrox to reinforce the backline, Rangers decision-makers are keen to balance the books and streamline the squad.
Souttar was notably left out of the travelling squad to Spain this month, with the Light Blues allowing him time to finalise a transfer.
However, the Scot is yet to find a team, thus prompting McInnes to reinstate him into team training.
Eagle-eyed Rangers fans were quick to spot Souttar training with the rest of the squad during the MyGers session at Ibrox on Monday.
Sheffield United have been credited with an interest in signing the former Hearts defender, but the Sheffield Star insist that those claims are wide of the mark.
Rangers euphoria as Makhanya on verge of move
The Scottish Sun claimed that Rangers are in advanced talks to sign Makhanya from Philadelphia Union for £5million.
That £5m figure was disputed by Chris Jack, when he reported that talks are advancing over a £3m fee.
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Meanwhile, Philadelphia Inquirer journalist Jonathan Tannenwald revealed that the exact fee is £3.4m, with the Major League Soccer club also entitled to a future sell-on fee.
Nevertheless, Rangers are set to end their drawn-out search for a new centre-back following the earlier addition of Ben Godfrey on loan from Atalanta.
This may speed up Souttar’s departure from Rangers, who want a seven-figure fee for his sale.
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