Player Rangers could sign this month given ‘world class’ rating by his teammate

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John Souttar has agreed a pre-contract deal with Rangers, a move that will see the Hearts ace join the Gers on a free in the summer. But he could still join this month, and Rangers would be getting a “world-class” player.

That is according to his Hearts teammate Josh Ginnelly, who scored a brace as Hearts – including Souttar – eased past St. Johnstone on Tuesday night to win 2-0. Souttar, despite his Rangers move, played the entire 90 minutes.

Scotland international Souttar has been sensational for newly-promoted Hearts this season. Having returned from a career-threatening injury, he has helped Hearts keep nine clean sheets in 23 – scoring three himself.

International recognition, and a move to Rangers has come his way. He could even move to Ibrox this month, Football Scotland reporting a £500,000 fee must change hands. Ginnelly thinks the player is world class.

That is, after Souttar was the subject of some boos from Hearts fans on Tuesday night – given the move. In similar circumstances, Jordan Jones was criticised by Kilmarnock fans. But Ginnelly was full of praise for Souttar.

Amid the boos, Ginnelly said (Scotsman): “He was brilliant and it speaks volumes for John,” added Ginnelly. “He’s gone out there and he was the loudest man on the pitch as per usual. He’s just a world class player.”

Ginnelly on Souttar: Rangers have got to sign Souttar right now

The signing of Souttar, whether it is in January or in the summer, is a brilliant move from Ross Wilson and Gio van Bronckhorst. But surely, the Gers have got to bring him in in the next few days and pay the fee.

Leon Balogun and Connor Goldson are out of contract in June. That points towards not needing Souttar just yet – but Balogun is on the sidelines, as is Filip Helander. Niko Katic remains out on loan.

Jack Simpson could go and is struggling for game time. It leaves left-back Calvin Bassey to play with Goldson. The Gers received an initial £12million for Nathan Patterson, so £500,000 for Souttar is hardly a tall order.