JOHN SOUTTAR has edged closer to clinching a move to Rangers after undergoing a medical with the champions.

The Scotland international emerged as as key transfer target for Ibrox boss Giovanni van Bronckorst this month.

And he is now poised to get his second deal of the window over the line as Souttar gets set to put pen-to-paper in the coming days.

Herald and Times Sport revealed this week that Rangers were leading the race to sign Souttar after fending off interest from Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United.

And the 25-year-old is now ready to commit his long-term future to the Premiership leaders as he prepares to bring an end to his time at Tynecastle.

Van Bronckhorst was in the market for defensive reinforcements amid doubts over the future of vice-captain Connor Goldson as he enters the final stages of his deal.

Leon Balogun is also out of contract in the summer, while Jack Simpson and Niko Katic will be allowed to leave Ibrox this term.

The Gers boss focused his attentions on Souttar and he will now land his top defensive target having completed a move for midfielder James Sands earlier this month.

Rangers could now look to strike a deal to bring Souttar along the M8 before the close of business this month as Robbie Neilson fights to retain the services of one of his most influential performers for the second half of the season.

The Jambos sit third in the Premiership standings ahead of their return to action at home to St Johnstone next midweek and also have crucial league matches with Celtic and Motherwell, plus a Scottish Cup tie against Auchenleck Talbot, tom come before the end of the month.

Neilson had expressed hope that Hearts could convince Souttar to sign on again but the stopper will now continue his career at Ibrox after opting to leave Gorgie following six successful seasons at Tynecastle.