Why John Souttar could return to Rangers team sooner than expected
John Souttar may not have played his final Rangers game despite coming close to an exit in the summer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Souttar has not been part of Derek McInnes' plans since his arrival as Rangers boss at the start of the summer.
The 30-year-old tried to leave Ibrox but failed to secure a late switch to Greek club Aris at the start of this month.
He is facing several months out in the cold but is not completely out of McInnes' plans just yet.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the Rangers manager is relying on Souttar to provide cover in case of several injuries to his preferred centre-backs.
He may well be forced into using the Scotland international defender before January, when an exit is likely.
John Souttar remains part of Derek McInnes' Rangers thoughts for now
McInnes admitted earlier this month that he would welcome Souttar back into the first-team fold if he was unable to seal a move away from the club.
He is approaching the end of his Gers contract in May 2027 and looks set to leave in January, but may well play his last game for the club before then in the coming months.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "He's pretty well down the pecking order at Ibrox. I'd be very surprised if he does feature for Rangers between now and the January window opening, unless there are a number of injuries in defence that open the door.
"In January, I think all parties will need to look at the situation again and maybe try and find a suitable solution that suits everybody."
Rangers' verdict revealed on selling Olwethu Makhanya
Makhanya has taken Souttar's spot in the Rangers starting eleven since his £3million arrival from Philadelphia Union in July.
The South African international centre-back has made 11 appearances for the Gers this season, impressing as a mainstay in their ongoing six-game winning run.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Rangers have no plans to sell Makhanya in the new year despite potential interest from top European leagues.