Hearts have warned Rangers they won't get John Souttar this month unless they make a "significant and satisfactory offer".
The Scotland international centre-back has agreed a pre-contract deal with the Ibrox side after snubbing interest from England.
But it's understood the 25-year-old would prefer to head for Glasgow in January rather than waiting until the summer.
The Jambos, however, have set their stall out by insisting Souttar remains an integral part of Robbie Neilson 's plans as things stand.
And they say Rangers will have to cough up the cash.
A Hearts statement said: "Heart of Midlothian Football Club notes Rangers Football Club ’s announcement of John Souttar’s pre-contract signing.
"The club reiterates that John is an important member of the first-team squad and will remain so until the end of the season unless a significant and satisfactory offer is made during the January transfer window.
"No further comment will be made at this time."
More to follow
