Rangers: Confirmed Ibrox deal involving 6'1 star 'very astute business'

Rangers have already pulled off a ‘very astute piece of business’ by sealing Hearts ace John Souttar’s summer arrival at Ibrox, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Gers may not be in pole position to seal back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles thanks to arch-rivals Celtic sitting at the top of the standings, but boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has already begun preparing for next season.

Van Bronckhorst was appointed as Rangers’ boss in November, following Steven Gerrard’s decision to walk away in favour of the Aston Villa job, and it is clear that the Dutchman was keen to strengthen his defensive options.

That is because, less than two months on from his arrival, he completed the signing of Souttar by tying the Hearts man down to a pre-contract agreement.

Sporting director Ross Wilson hailed Souttar’s acquisition by claiming the centre-half has ‘so much potential ahead for the coming years’.

According to the Daily Record, the 25-year-old was keen to join Rangers ahead of schedule and link-up with van Bronckhorst’s side in January.

However, a mid-season move failed to come to fruition as Hearts revealed they were unwilling to sanction Souttar’s early departure unless ‘a significant and satisfactory offer’ was tabled by the Gers.

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O’Rourke believes Rangers were shrewd after moving quickly to ensure Souttar will head to Ibrox.

The journalist feels the defender will prove to be an asset for van Bronckhorst, who will be keen to welcome even more fresh faces in the summer.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “They already have John Souttar coming in on a free transfer from Hearts, which looks a very astute piece of business.

“Van Bronckhorst obviously came in