'Options': Rangers star's Ibrox career drawing to close as futures of trio discussed

Although, according to the Ibrox manager, no move is imminent, the defender is not expected to feature in Rangers’ squad for their first league game against Dundee United on Friday. McInnes had received no fresh information about Souttar’s likely destination, with reports linking the player with Leicester City, where his brother Harry plays, and Swansea among others. Souttar was not top of the agenda when McInnes met Dan Purdy, the Ibrox technical director, on Wednesday.

“I spoke with Dan (Purdy) and the recruitment team this morning and it wasn’t mentioned, so I’m not sure where it’s at,” stated McInnes.

“John has just been working away brilliantly to keep himself right and I think he may have one or two options, but I don’t know any more than that.

“He’s training with us, he’s in the building, but it might be a situation where John looks to go elsewhere for regular football. We’ve had a conversation about that and he’s exploring options, but it has to be somewhere he wants to go as well.”

Souttar, who turns 30 in September, signed for Rangers from Hearts in June 2022 and has played over 130 games for the Ibrox club while establishing himself as a Scotland regular.

Another Rangers player whose future is in doubt is Belgian midfielder Nico Raskin, who starred for his country in the recent World Cup. He is not due back at the club until Thursday evening following his exertions in North America. He isn’t being considered for Rangers’ opening matches.

Although there has been plenty of speculation linking Raskin with other clubs, McInnes said he wasn’t aware of any firm bids. “Nico is due to arrive late tomorrow," he said. “These conversations are between the club and his agent, and if something comes in I’m sure we’ll look at it, but there’s nothing so far.”

One Rangers player who is definitely on the move elsewhere is winger Oli Antman following a short and ill-starred Ibrox stay. The Finn, who arrived a year ago for £3.5 million from Go Ahead Eagles, has been the subject of a bid from Belgian side Anderlecht. He featured 30 times for Rangers, scoring twice.

“I believe a deal has been agreed and Oli has travelled to finalise that,” said McInnes. “Beyond that, I’m not fully up to speed – that was this morning or last night – but I’m pretty sure it will work out well for the boy.”