Rangers transfer news latest as John Souttar pursuit confirmed by Sheffield United

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Former Hibs boss Paul Heckingbottom has confirmed he wants Hearts star John Souttar at Sheffield United. The 25-year-old defender is a man in demand on both sides of the border with Rangers set to make their move with a pre-contract offer for the Scotland star.

Souttar, who has snubbed a new deal at Tynecastle, is a free agent in the summer and is expected to make his decision on his next move next week.Gio van Bronckhorst has identified him as a top target and a potential replacement for Connor Goldson should the Englishman move on in the summer.

But he faces serious competition from south of the border. The Blades are among a clutch of Championship sides desperate to land the Hearts stopper who has returned from three serious injuries in top form.

Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City, Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough are all keen too.Heckingbottom has turned his attention to Souttar having missed out on Fleetwood defender James Hill who joined Bournemouth in a £1million deal earlier this week.And the Brammall Lane boss said: “He's one of a few that we have been looking at."We highlighted positions we need players in and he's one in that position.“We would be foolish not to have a look at him, he's a free transfer in the summer.“I am not going to say if we are going to do it but certainly someone we have looked at.“I know him from my time in Scotland a good player and I am sure we will be linked with more players, some will be right and some will be way off the mark.”Souttar has been one of the standouts in the Premiership this season and capped his fine campaign off with a starring role in Scotland's 2-0 win over Denmark in November.Souttar slammed home the opening goal and has become one of the top flight's mostShould