Derek McInnes has revealed John Souttar has been told his long-term future should be elsewhere, with the Rangers defender potentially set to leave the club before the remaining European transfer windows close but that his deal will not be terminated early.
Rangers' domestic transfer window is now closed, but McInnes confirmed there are still opportunities for Souttar to secure a move abroad.
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The Rangers boss says there are currently one or two possibilities developing for the Scotland international, with Souttar himself understood to be keen on at least some of the options.
'Opportunities' still avaliable for Souttar to move
“I think the likelihood is that John has been told his long term future would be best elsewhere,” McInnes said at today’s press conference prior to St Mirren’s visit to Ibrox on Wednesday evening.
“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.
“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.”
The Rangers manager stressed that while the club's own window has closed, Souttar could still depart if a suitable move materialises.
McInnes believes regular first-team football could be beneficial for the 29-year-old, but confirmed Rangers will honour the player's contract if he remains at Ibrox.
“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.
“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.”
The comments leave Souttar's immediate future open, with Rangers unable to add a replacement domestically but willing to allow the defender to leave should an overseas opportunity be completed.
Clinton Nsiala future
Another Ibrox defender who has been given permission to depart the club is Clinton Nsiala, with the 22-year-old French defender linked with a move to Cyprus.
Pafos have denied reports of an interest, stating the former AC Milan youth captain “isn’t an option” for them, but champions Omonoia Nicosia have refused to either confirm or deny targeting the defender before the close of their loan window on September 14.
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