Sources: John Souttar to agree Rangers transfer as soon as possible
John Souttar will leave Rangers in the January transfer window as he has no chance of becoming a regular under Derek McInnes, sources have told Football Insider.
The 30-year-old defender was told following McInnes' arrival that he would not be part of his plans for the 2026-27 campaign.
He was linked to a host of different clubs throughout the summer window, but failed to seal a move away and is now facing several months out in the cold.
Souttar, who has made 132 appearances for Rangers, has failed to even make a competitive matchday squad so far this season and is unlikely to feature regularly anytime soon as the Gers find form under McInnes.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, he is keen to leave in search of game time elsewhere and will seek an immediate exit when the January window opens.
The 30-year-old has lost his place in the Scotland squad under new boss Sebastien Pocognoli and will be keen to play weekly to win his spot back after their World Cup disappointment.
John Souttar remains keen to leave Rangers as first-team route blocked
Sources exclusively revealed to Football Insider in mid-September that Greek side Aris were working hard to sign Souttar, but they failed to agree a deal before their deadline passed.
His contract at Ibrox is up in June 2027, but the club are unlikely to come to an agreement to pay him off so he becomes a free agent.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "He's pretty well down the pecking order at Ibrox. January will be the last opportunity for Rangers to cash in on Souttar as well, so look, it might suit everybody if there is a parting of the ways.
"Rangers can cash in on him, and Souttar can go and continue his career, because it doesn't look like his career prospects are any good at Ibrox right now. I think all parties will need to look at the situation again and maybe try and find a suitable solution that suits everybody."
What has McInnes said about Souttar's situation?
McInnes has kept Souttar on the sidelines so far this season despite his extensive Premiership experience.
The Rangers manager offered an update on the situation two weeks ago, while some transfer windows were still open, admitting that he could return to his plans in some way if he was to stay at the club.
He said: "I think he still can (return to the squad), but John has been told his long-term future would be best served elsewhere. I don't want to speculate too much, but there are one or two options he's keen on that seem to be gathering traction.
"For him, going somewhere and playing regular football might be the best option. But if nothing materialises, then of course we'll honour his contract and he'll come back into things."