Craig Levein comments on whether John Souttar will join Rangers

Follow us on Google Discover

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers reportedly want to raid Scottish Premiership rivals Hearts for £2m centre-back John Souttar.

John Souttar would have no interest in joining Rangers this summer. At least, that is the viewpoint of Hearts manager Craig Levein, in quotes reported by the BBC.

With Gareth McAuley out of contract and Joe Worrall set to return to parent club Nottingham Forest, Rangers are expected to make a new centre-back their top priority in the off-season.

Herald Scotland reports that Souttar, a ball-playing centre-half who has drawn some comparisons with John Stones, has emerged as a target for Steven Gerrard’s side with Hearts apparently valuing him at an affordable £2 million.

But it’s fair to say Levein is confident that the former Dundee United youngster is far from Ibrox-bound.

“I’m not sure John would go there to be honest. No, I don’t think so,” said the former Scotland boss ahead of Saturday’s Premiership fixture against Rangers at Tynecastle.

On Wednesday, Levein warned Rangers that Souttar is under contract until 2022 and all the power is in Hearts’ hands heading into what could be a testing transfer window.

“We’ve got all bases covered with John,” he told the Edinburgh News. “He recently signed a three-and-a-half-year deal so it puts us in a strong position if there is anybody who is interested in trying to sign him.”

Souttar has been arguably the most impressive defender anywhere in the Scottish top flight this season so you can see why he has caught the eye of Rangers. But signing him could be easier said than done.