Rangers tipped to seal Souttar deal before Monday after ‘bid’ update – Scottish pundit
Alan Hutton has tipped Rangers to negotiate a deal to sign John Soutter from Hearts before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gers defender and Rangers TV pundit insisted making a move happen this month is in everybody’s best interests.
As quoted by the Scottish Sun last Saturday (22 January), Hearts boss Robbie Neilson confirmed they had knocked back an opening offer from Rangers.
Speaking to the same publication on Thursday (27 January), Neilson insisted the defender’s price tag has risen after injuries to Craig Halkett and Taylor Moore.
He said it would take a “big bid” for Souttar to leave.
However, Hutton suggested the two clubs could meet in the middle.
“I read somewhere Hearts were talking about half a million,” Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“Rangers are probably testing the waters. They might meet somewhere in the middle between their two valuations and get the deal done.
“I think it will suit everybody. John Souttar’s obviously went through a lot during his career. He’s one of Hearts’ main players. To hear that his own fans are boring and jeering him, it’s not ideal.
“It’s not good for Hearts as a club, it’s not good for the player either.
“So I think it would suit everybody if they can reach some sort of agreement before Monday. Get the deal done and just move on from there.
“They’re testing the waters and I’m positive it will be done before the transfer window ends.”
Souttar has agreed a pre-contract deal with Rangers for the end of the season.
He has played 24 times this season and has 182 Premiership appearances under his belt.
In other news, Rangers have been tipped to spend ‘a lot of money’ on a January transfer after the latest update.