Sheffield United 'leading the race' over Rangers star and he could join Ibrox flop if two deals agreed
Light Blues boss Derek McInnes has indicated he’s happy to offload the defender
Rangers man John Souttar has become a transfer target of Sheffield United, who are reportedly ‘leading the race’ for the centre back.
Former Gers boss Russell Martin has also expressed an interest in the 29-year old at his new club Leicester City, while a host of MLS clubs are also rumoured to be involved. However, it’s currently the Blades who are winning as manager Chris Wilder has been a long time admirer of Souttar, who signed a new Ibrox deal in February, keeping him under contract until May 2027. He didn’t travel to the warm-weather pre-season training camp in Spain with the rest of the squad.
If the Blades were successful in their pursuit of the Scotland international, there’s a chance he’d be signed alongside Rangers flop Rabbi Matondo, who has also been linked with a move to Bramall Lane from SK Brann. Sheffield United also currently have former Rangers man Joe Rothwell on their books after he struggled to acclimatise in Govan.
Blades ‘leading the race’ for Souttar
According to the Scottish Sun: “Sheffield United are among several English Championship clubs keen to sign John Souttar. The 29-year old Scotland international is on the brink of quitting Rangers - just five months after penning a contract extension. The Blades are now understood to be leading the race for Souttar.”
The same report suggests Souttar’s omission from the training camp was to allow him to sort out his future, along with striker Danilo who was left out for the same reason. The 27-year old recently returned from his NEC Nijmegen loan spell but is unlikely to stay at Ibrox, as Brazilian side Botafogo are interested.
Former Dundee United and Hearts man Souttar has been a steady figure at the back for Rangers since signing from Tynecastle in 2022. The defender has made 132 appearances for the club and helped them win the 2023/24 Scottish League Cup. Despite several injury setbacks, he also cemented himself in Steve Clarke’s Scotland starting XI during this time.
Rangers flop also on Bramall Lane radar
The Sheffield Star confirmed earlier this week that the club are ‘considering’ an offer for Matondo, who has also struggled for minutes at Brann the same way he did at Ibrox, accruing just 30 minutes in his three appearances for the three-time Norwegian champions. He is under contract there until December this year.
Matondo also had limited game time during his four years at Rangers, making 67 appearances overall. He was farmed out to Hannover 96 in the German second tier at one stage to aid his development. The 25-year old is now looking for an escape route away from Brann where he can start afresh.