SHEFFIELD UNITED boss Paul Heckingbottom has confirmed his interest in Rangers transfer target John Souttar.
Herald and Times Sport revealed this week that the champions are set to step up their pursuit of Souttar and attempt to strike a Bosman deal in the coming weeks.
Souttar is in the final months of his contract at Hearts and has caught the eye of a host of Championship clubs - including the likes of Blackburn Rovers and Nottingham Forest - as well as Ibrox boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Rangers are in the market for defensive reinforcements ahead of next season as vice-captain Connor Goldson gets set to leave Rangers on a free transfer.
Jack Simpson will be allowed to quit the club during the January transfer window, while Leon Balogun is also a free agent come the summer and Niko Katic appears to be on his way out of the Light Blues.
Van Bronckhorst has pinpointed Souttar as a potential acquisition ahead of his first full campaign in charge and Rangers could look to bring the Scotland star on board this month if a pre-contract deal is put in place.
But former Hibernian boss Heckingbottom has confirmed his interest in a potential move for Souttar as Rangers get set to face significant competition to land the defender.
Heckingbottom said: “He's one of a few that we have been looking at.
"We highlighted positions we need players in and he's one in that position.
“We would be foolish not to have a look at him, he's a free transfer in the summer.
“I am not going to say if we are going to do it but certainly someone we have looked at.
“I know him from my time in Scotland a good player and I am sure we will be linked with more players, some will be right and some will be way off the mark.”
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