Hearts have slapped a big price-tag on Derby County target Souttar, meaning Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers should look to Blackpool instead.
Rangers have shown plenty of ambition in the transfer market since Steven Gerrard took over but that does not mean money is no object.
According to TEAMtalk, the Gers were hoping to raid Scottish Premiership rivals Hearts for their ball-playing centre-back John Souttar. A classy and commanding defender, there is little doubt that he would walk into the Ibrox XI.
But, with Hearts demanding £5 million for their prized asset, Rangers look set to miss out with Derby County now leading the chase for a player who could prove to be out of the Glasgow giants’ price-range.
So what better time for Rangers to renew their interest in a player who will be £5 million cheaper than Souttar this summer?
Curtis Tilt looks set to leave Blackpool on a free when his contract expires in July, and he is more than ready for a big move after another outstanding campaign at Bloomfied Road.
Rangers were keen on Tilt last summer and the Mail (5 January, page 111), claimed they were harbouring hopes of snapping him up for absolutely nothing.
What’s more, the 27-year-old himself admitted that he would jump at the chance to play under Gerrard.
“I’ve heard about Rangers and the thought of Steven Gerrard being interested is amazing. It would be great to play for him,” he told the Mail.
Tilt might be five years older than Souttar and unproven in Scotland but, on a free transfer, he is a risk worth taking.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
