'Beyond my control': Rangers move to secure future of key man as forgotten forward rejects Ibrox return calls
Rangers are looking to tie down a key defender to a new deal.
Rangers have moved to secure the future of key defender John Souttar as he enters the final six months of his contract at Ibrox, according to reports.
The Scotland international has been a regular feature for the club since his arrival from Hearts in the summer of 2022, playing over 75 league games at Ibrox. Alongside club captain James Tavernier, his current deal is set to expire in the summer, meaning he is able to discuss a pre-contract move with clubs outside of Scotland from January.
According to the Daily Record, Rangers chiefs have been in discussions with the 29-year-old for several months as they look to strike an agreement with Souttar, with the Gers said to be ready to offer him a guaranteed two-year extension to his deal, with a ‘substantial increase’ to his wage included.
Former sporting director Kevin Thelwell is believed to have been central to the contract talks prior to his sacking a fortnight ago. His departure has not derailed talks, though, with Rangers chiefs pressing on with discussions over an improved deal for Souttar in the last week.
Currently out with an injury he suffered in the warmup prior to Scotland’s memorable 4-2 win over Denmark that saw them qualify for next summer’s World Cup, Souttar is expected to form part of Steve Clarke’s squad for the tournament should he return to full fitness in the new year. The national team have been drawn in Group C of the competition and will face Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil in the United States next June.
Elsewhere, forgotten Rangers forward Oscar Cortes has insisted he is not seeking an early return to Ibrox this season, despite struggling for regular game time on loan to Sporting Gijon in the Spanish second tier. The 22-year-old joined Rangers almost two years ago, but was unable to make any impact after being besieged by injuries, with the club opting to allow him to make a temporary move to El Molinon earlier in the campaign.
However, things have not gone to plan for the young Colombian, and he has started just one league game for the club since his arrival. Over the weekend, reports in Spain suggested that Cortes could be looking to cut short his loan at the club, but he has rejected claims that he is looking to return to Glasgow, as stated in an interview with Elcomercio.
"I'm focused on the team, on what's happening here,” said Cortes. “Other things are beyond my control. My mindset is to stay here and be with the team. To give my best every day and in every match so I can play. My focus is here, at Sporting, with my teammates. Perhaps I've had fewer minutes than some of my teammates, but I'm also motivated by the work the team has done. The group is doing very well, and maybe that's where I need to work a little harder.”
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