Rangers will have to pay £600,000 to sign Hearts defender John Souttar before the end of the January, Craig Levein told BBC Sportsound. Rangers have already signed Souttar on a pre-contract from Tynecastle.
Souttar, 25, has been superb for Hearts this season. Having overcome a long-term injury, Souttar has re-established himself as first choice with Hearts this season. It has seen him win a move to Ibrox, on a free.
But it is an interesting move, as it sees Souttar remain with Hearts until the summer. Playing 90 minutes in a 2-0 win over St. Johnstone, Souttar was booed by sections of his own support – after the pre-contract Rangers move.
Reports remain that Souttar could still join Rangers this month – with talks ongoing. Asked about a move over the weekend, Levein says he has heard it will take double the £300,000 supposedly on offer from Rangers right now.
“I heard that it’s more than the double the £300,000 offer. He’s under contract. It’s just about getting to the number they want and if Rangers can’t do that then John will be playing for Hearts until the end of the season.”
Levein on Souttar: Do Rangers need to sign him right now from Hearts?
Having already secured Souttar from June onwards, do they need the Hearts defender before the summer? Connor Goldson remains at the club, as does Leon Balogun – but both are out of contract from June onwards.
They still provide Rangers with two solid options – Goldson in particular. However, Filip Helander remains injured, Calvin Bassey is more naturally a left-back and Niko Katic is still out on loan.
Rangers do need a centre-back and Souttar would probably start alongside Goldson. But it is probably best for all involved that Souttar continues to get back to his best at Hearts – and then replaces Goldson in the summer.
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