Leicester City have moved on from their pursuit of frozen-out Rangers defender John Souttar, with Foxes boss Russell Martin now turning his attention to Hibs centre-back Warren O'Hora.
Souttar had emerged as a potential target for Leicester as Martin looked to strengthen his defence, but former Rangers boss has now switched his focus elsewhere.
O'Hora has become the preferred option, leaving Souttar's prospects of a move to Leicester looking increasingly unlikely.
The development comes as Souttar's situation at Ibrox remains unresolved. The Scotland international has not played a single minute for Rangers since Derek McInnes took charge, leaving him firmly on the fringes of the first-team picture.
With the transfer window approaching its conclusion this Thursday, it is increasingly likely that Souttar will remain in Govan for the final year of his Rangers contract.
That does not necessarily mean he will remain at Ibrox for the entire campaign, however. A late loan move remains possible if a suitable opportunity emerges before the deadline, but a permanent departure now appears less likely following Leicester's decision to pursue O'Hora.
Souttar's lack of involvement under McInnes means a loan could make sense for all parties, allowing the defender to secure regular first-team football while Rangers continue to manage a player who is entering the final year of his deal.
Souttar out of favour at Ibrox
The 29-year-old joined Rangers from Hearts in 2022 and has endured an inconsistent spell at Ibrox, with injuries also hampering his time at the club.
His current situation represents another setback, particularly with McInnes yet to hand him a single minute of competitive action since his return from the World Cup.
The Leicester development therefore leaves Souttar facing an uncertain final year in Govan. Unless a late move materialises, he could remain at Rangers until the expiry of his contract next summer, despite appearing to be outside McInnes' immediate plans.
Rangers offered him a one-year extension of his expiring deal at the end of last season before Danny Rohl departed for RB Salzburg.
The EFL League One side look set to lose defender Wout Faes to West Ham before England’s deadline tonight.
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