John Souttar's Rangers exit has taken a major step forward with Greek side Aris reportedly agreeing a €1.2 million deal for the Scotland international.
The 29-year-old is expected to travel to Greece on Sunday to complete a three-year move, according to reports in the Greek media.
The developing transfer comes just a day after Derek McInnes admitted Souttar still had opportunities to leave Ibrox despite the Scottish transfer window having closed.
The Rangers boss revealed the defender was considering his options with several European windows still open and suggested a move could be beneficial for the player's prospects of regular first-team football.
McInnes allows Souttar to depart
“He still has good opportunities, there’s still an opportunity to move, there’s a couple of windows, a few windows still open across Europe, and there is a few things looking possible for John,” McInnes said prior to last night's 1-0 win over St Mirren at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership.
“I don't want to speculate how much that is, but I think there is one or two things that he's quite keen on, and one or two things that's maybe getting a wee bit of traction.
“Of course, our window to bring players in is shut, but there’s still that possibility for John, and probably for him to go and get regular football and peace of mind, that might be the best option for him.”
Should the proposed move to Aris be completed, Souttar would bring considerable Scottish and European experience to the Thessaloniki side, having spent the entirety of his career in Scotland and featured prominently for Rangers in the Europa League.
McInnes, however, had already made clear that Rangers would respect Souttar's position should no suitable move materialise.
“But if he doesn't move, and there isn't anything that materialises, then of course we honour the contract, and he comes back into things,” he said.
Nsiala still at Ibrox
The Greek report claims Aris accelerated their search for defensive reinforcements following their heavy defeat to AEK in Nea Filadelfia and have now identified Souttar as the man to strengthen their back line.
He would join Fabiano Leismann and Bosko Sutalo at the club, with Aris reportedly reaching an agreement with both Souttar and Rangers over the transfer.
The proposed €1.2m fee would bring an end to Souttar's latest spell at Ibrox if the move is completed, with the defender now seemingly poised for a new chapter in Greece.
Clinton Nsiala’s proposed move to Omonoia Nicosia fell apart with the Cypriot side focusing on wide options in the final days of the window on the island.
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