John Souttar is reportedly set to stay at Rangers until at least January after his proposed move to Greek side Aris Thessaloniki hit a stumbling block over compensation regarding the remaining year of his Ibrox contract.
The Scotland international had requested his release from Rangers in order to complete a switch to Aris, despite Rangers accepting a reported £1 million deal and Souttar agreeing a three-year contract, but the two parties have been unable to reach an agreement over the financial terms of his departure.
Greek report on Souttar
According to Greek journalist George Tsarouchas, Souttar is now staying at Ibrox after Rangers offered him just half of the amount that had previously been agreed.
Tsarouchas posted on X: "According to the latest information, Souttar is staying at Rangers.
“He had requested his release to join Aris, but the Scottish club was offering him only half the agreed-upon amount."
The latest development comes after reports from Greece suggested that Aris had not abandoned their interest in the 29-year-old defender.
Compensation issue
However, it appears the issue surrounding Souttar's compensation has now become the key factor in determining whether the move can go ahead.
Derek McInnes and Rangers have been desperate to offload the former Hearts’ defender, who only signed a one-year extension in March, with Aris emerging as a potential destination.
The Greek club's interest had remained alive despite the uncertainty surrounding the defender's situation, but Rangers' reported stance over the compensation package has left the proposed transfer in serious doubt.
Souttar to remain - but still could change
The latest information at present points towards Souttar remaining a Rangers player, until at least the January window.
The situation could still develop before the Greek window closes tonight at midnight, but unless an agreement can be reached over the financial dispute, the Scotland international looks set to remain at Ibrox.
It represents a significant change from the previous expectation that Souttar could leave Rangers for Greece.
Aris had continued to monitor the situation and remained interested, but the latest update suggests the two sides are currently some distance apart.
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