John Souttar's Rangers Future: Transfer Talks Intensify

John Souttar’s Rangers future is set to come to a head within days, with Derek McInnes admitting talks over a move are gathering pace as interest from two clubs intensifies.

The Scotland defender is still at Ibrox despite the Scottish transfer window closing, but the door remains open for him to leave if the right offer lands on the table. One club, McInnes says, is already ahead of the other.

Souttar trained with the squad on Thursday morning, yet his situation hangs in the balance. Rangers are prepared to sanction an exit, and with the Greek transfer window open until September 15, speculation around a move abroad has only grown.

Reports in Greece have repeatedly linked Souttar with Aris Thessaloniki, with claims earlier today that a €1.2 million bid had been accepted and that a medical had been lined up for Sunday. The noise has been loud. McInnes insists the deal is not done.

McInnes: “It could develop in the next two or three days”

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm clash with Celtic, the Rangers manager offered a clear but cautious update after talking directly with Souttar in the morning.

“I spoke to John this morning, he trained, there’s a bit of interest in him from one or two clubs, one club maybe a bit further down the line than the other but I think it’s something that could develop but I don’t think it’s at that stage yet but maybe something will happen over the next two or three days,” McInnes said.

The suggestion from Greece that a medical is already booked has not yet been matched by Rangers’ stance. For now, Souttar remains part of the training group, even if everyone involved knows the long-term picture lies elsewhere.

McInnes has already been open about that reality.

“John has been told his long-term future would be best served elsewhere,” he said earlier in the week before the match against St Mirren.

“But if nothing materialises, then of course we’ll honour his contract, and he’ll come back into things.”

One suitor in front, decision looming

McInnes again underlined that two clubs are at the table, with one clearly more advanced in discussions.

“There’s a bit of interest in him from one or two clubs, one club maybe a bit further down the line than the other,” he reiterated.

Souttar has slipped down the pecking order since Rangers reshaped their defence over the summer. Ben Godfrey and Olwethu Makhanya arrived to join Emmanuel Fernandez in the central defensive pool, leaving the 27-year-old effectively surplus to requirements.

He had been linked with moves earlier in the window but stayed put when the main market shut. Now, with an overseas switch still possible, the next 72 hours could define his season.

Clinton Nsiala is another centre-back available for a move, though a proposed transfer to Cyprus has stalled for the time being.

Rangers have made their position clear. Souttar knows where he stands. With one club already “further down the line” and the clock ticking on the Greek deadline, the only question left is whether the defender’s next chapter finally begins before the week is out.