Rangers have been given a boost in their pursuit of Hearts defender John Souttar with Championship outfit Stoke City walking away from a deal for the Scotland international, as reported by TEAMtalk.
While Souttar has not exactly turned his back on Rangers – it is understood that he is open to the prospect of joining Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s league-leading squad – Ibrox is not exactly his dream destination.
The former Dundee United ace is understood to have prioritised a move to England with his Hearts contract entering its final six months.
But, one by one, potential destinations appear to be disappearing.
Stoke City slammed the door shut in Souttar’s face this week, according to TEAMtalk, put off by his wage demands after entering talks with the 25-year-old.
Stoke, who already have Souttar’s younger brother Harry on their books, were reported to be the favourites for his signature. Now, it seems they have pulled out of the race with the finish line in sight.
Could Hearts’ John Souttar still end up at Rangers?
An upwardly-mobile, play-off chasing Nottingham Forest have also shown an interest in Souttar.
Steve Cooper’s side snapped up Steve Cook from Championship rivals AFC Bournemouth this week however and also appear to be pushing ahead with a move for Reading youngster Tom Holmes.
The path is not exactly clear for Rangers just yet though.
Blackburn Rovers are still in contention with Sheffield United another obstacle in Rangers’ path.
The Glasgow giants have made sure to avoid putting all their eggs in Souttar’s basket too, with another out-of-contract centre-half in Van Bronckhorst’s sights.
23-year-old Danilho Doekhi admitted this week that Rangers had shown an interest in luring him away from Eredivisie high-flyers Vitesse Arnhem, going as far as to describe Ibrox as a ‘beautiful’ destination.
“Of course, I get the rumours of Napoli and Rangers,” Doekhi said.
“I am flattered. Scotland is passion. In Italy, you really learn how to defend. Both (destinations) are very beautiful.”
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