The John Souttar to Rangers transfer dilemma as Robbie Neilson and Hearts have trump card up their sleeve

dailyrecord.co.uk:

"If the fans boo Jordan then they are booing me as well because if I select Jordan to play for Kilmarnock then they are criticising my selection.” The words of Steve Clarke as he reacted to the furious reaction from Kilmarnock fans after Jordan Jones celebrated signing a pre-contract with Rangers in January 2019.

Less than a week later Clarke was rewarded for his strong management and Jones for his professionalism as he netted the winner against the club he would join six months later.It was a script that seemed almost too far-fetched as he put a huge dent in the Light Blues title hopes that season in the first game back after a winter break they had gone into on the high of an Old Firm win at Ibrox.Following the 2-1 loss, in which debutant Jermain Defoe also scored, Steven Gerrard said of Jones netting the winner: “That adds to the pain, but what can you do?” Three years on and a similar scenario has now emerged with John Souttar the man to sign a pre-contract with Rangers.

Hearts have warned that the Scotland stopper won’t be allowed to move to Ibrox this month on the cheap with a £500,000 fee being reported to make that happen.

Kilmarnock also stood firm by refusing to sell on the cheap and reaped the benefits as they finished third - their highest finish in the modern era.The Jambos are also on course to finish best of the rest this season and won’t want to lose one of their most influential players.Souttar reportedly wants to make the move across the M8 now but if Gers don’t stump up the cash then it could see the defender under pressure when he faces his soon-to-be employers.Hearts travel to Ibrox in just three weeks and all eyes will be on Souttar if he runs out in the maroon - the colour some Gorgie legions are