SerpApi.Org
John Souttar is attracting growing interest from south of the border, with several English Championship clubs keeping close tabs on the Rangers defender ahead of the new season.
Sheffield United, Watford and Cardiff City are all understood to be monitoring the Scotland international, while Leicester City also retain an interest.
Former Rangers head coach Russell Martin is an admirer of the centre-back and is believed to be keen on a reunion with the Foxes should the opportunity arise.
Souttar has established himself as one of Rangers' most regular defensive options in recent seasons, but injury issues and consistency concerns have seen him outcast by new manager Derek McInnes.
Despite Rangers strengthening defensively this summer with the arrivals of Ben Godfrey and Ross McCrorie, they remain light at the back having lost Derek Cornelius, Nasser Djiga, Jayden Meghoma and captain James Tavernier this summer.
However, McInnes does not fancy the Scotland international who spent the off-season at the World Cup, and is set to ship him out after four seasons in Govan.
The 29-year-old has been linked with moves away from Ibrox before but has remained a key part of Rangers' plans whenever fit before this summer.
English Championship sides eye John Souttar
There is a lot of interest from the English Championship, including from a transfer rival of the Gers in Welsh side Cardiff City.
The Bluebirds have also emerged as strong contenders in the race to sign Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl, although Rangers remain firmly interested in the midfielder despite the imminent arrival of Vanja Dragojevic.
Derek McInnes is understood to still view Hjerto-Dahl as a potential addition should circumstances allow, however the Welsh side are confident in landing the Norwegian.
McInnes still active in transfer market
McInnes has already overseen a busy summer rebuild, bringing in McCrorie, Godfrey, Dan Neil, Ivan Pandur and Cammy Devlin, with Dragojevic's £4million move from Partizan expected to be confirmed shortly.
Lawrence Shankland also made the move to Ibrox before McInnes’s arrival, also from Hearts.
Having added significantly to his squad, the Rangers boss is now focused on ensuring he retains the core of experienced players capable of leading the club's challenge on multiple fronts this season. However, he does not see Souttar as one of these players.
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