Leicester City are targeting Rangers defender John Souttar as manager Russell Martin continues his summer squad overhaul. The Scottish international was omitted from Rangers’ opening match squad, signaling an impending exit as Leicester compete with Swansea City for his signature.
Russell Martin is moving fast to reshape his Leicester City squad, and Rangers defender John Souttar has emerged as a top defensive target. Souttar was left out of the Rangers squad for their Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee United, dropping a massive hint that a move south is imminent. Negotiations are ongoing between the clubs, setting up a straight fight with Swansea City.
Rangers boss Derek McInnes admitted the defender is actively looking for the exit door to secure regular first-team football.
Speaking on the situation, McInnes said: “I spoke with Dan (Purdy) (Rangers technical director) and the recruitment team this morning and it wasn’t mentioned, so I’m not sure where it’s at,” before adding, “John has just been working away brilliantly to keep himself right and I think he may have one or two options, but I don’t know any more than that.”
McInnes further confirmed: “He’s training with us, he’s in the building, but it might be a situation where John looks to go elsewhere for regular football. We’ve had a conversation about that and he’s exploring options, but it has to be somewhere he wants to go as well.”
Souttar’s arrival could see him link up with brother Harry Souttar, though the Australian faces his own exit after interest from Chris Wilder. Martin has already snapped up Silko Thomas, Luke Thomas, Alex McCarthy, and Christian McFarlane as the rebuild gathers pace. With the League Cup clash against Northampton Town next Saturday, Leicester want Souttar sealed before kickoff.
