John Souttar on 'difficult' Rangers near miss as incoming defender opens up on January transfer rollercoaster

Incoming John Souttar has opened up on his move to Rangers and the January offer that almost saw him arrive early from Hearts.

Souttar signed a pre-contract with Gio van Bronckhorst ’s side in January amid interest from club’s in the English Championship.

But the centre-back remained at Hearts until the end of the season helping the Gorgie side secure Europa League football and reach the Scottish Cup Final.

And he told RTV that it’s felt like a long time coming to finally become a Rangers player.

He said: “It’s been a long time since I obviously signed the pre-contract in January but it’s a brilliant day for me and my family to join Rangers.

“It nearly happened in January. So it was obviously just dealing with that set back of it not happening and focusing on the football.

“It was difficult at the time but after it was over with, it was over with so I just gave 100% focus on the task at hand at Hearts.

“And I obviously had that small injury problem a few months ago but it was always in my head to get back for the Scotland games and get ready for the summer. So yeah it was tough at the start but it was sound after that.

Souttar also admits he was blown away after meeting the staff at Ibrox in January, particularly after a chat with Van Bronckhorst over the style he plans to play next season.

And it took him very little convincing to join the club as he knew just how big of a club Rangers are.

He added: “When I signed and met the manager and the staff in January, you know Rangers, I’ve been brought up in Scotland so I know the size of the club and what it means to people and stuff like that.

“So when I met the manager it was exciting. He just gave me his thought, obviously he was just in the door as well and he gave