Rangers are now in a three-way fight with two English Championship clubs for John Souttar.
The Scotland stopper has been in talks with suitors over a pre-contract deal with his Hearts contract due to expire at the end of the season.
And Record Sport can reveal that the 25-year-old has whittled it down to a trio of clubs and the Scottish Premiership champions are very much in contention for his signature, along with Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst is in the market for at least one central defender with contract rebel Connor Goldson’s future at Ibrox uncertain.
Landing Souttar on a free would be a huge boost to the Light Blues and a decision is expected early next week from the player.
However, it is believed Souttar would prefer a move to Ibrox in January if he opts to stay north of the border.
That would involve Rangers thrashing out a transfer fee with the Tynecastle club to enable him to make the move across the M8 this month.
