John Souttar is OUT of the Hearts squad for their Scottish Cup tie against Auchinleck Talbot, sparking speculation he could be ready to make his Rangers move this month.
However, it has been reported that the Scotland stopper, who has signed a pre contract agreement with the Scottish Premiership champions, misses the fourth round tie through injury.
Hearts reportedly want £500,000 for him to make the move to Ibrox now rather than waiting until the end of the season when they would land him for free.
If Souttar featured for the Jambos against Talbot then he would be unable to play for the Light Blues in the competition.
But the BBC reported that the 25-year-old is set to miss out amid talks between both clubs which means there could be a development in the negotiations although it has also been claimed injury is the reason he is absent.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst was relaxed about the situation and preparing for him to join the club at the end of the season.
However, with his side safely into the fifth round then having him on board now might be the Dutchman’s preference.
