5 days ago
John Souttar 'targeted' by Trabzonspor as Rangers transfer resolve tested with contract ticking down
Souttar is into the final year of his contract with Gers and is free to speak to other clubs in January if a new deal can't be agreed
John Souttar is reportedly a transfer target for Turkish club Trabzonspor - who include two of his former Rangers teammates amongst their ranks.
Scotland international Souttar is into the final 12 months of his contract at Ibrox, with Gers running the risk of losing him for nothing next summer.
The former Dundee United and Hearts star is back in training but has yet to feature for new boss Russell Martin in the pre-season friendly schedule so far as he recovers from undergoing hernia surgery in the wake of Scotland 's friendly double header against Iceland and Liechtenstein last month.
And Turtkish outlet Ajansspor claim that he is subject of interest from the Trabzon-based club. They report that Trabzonspor both Fatih Tekke is looking to bolster his defensive options as sees the 28-year-old as an ideal fit.
Were the move to happen, then Souttar could be reunited with ex Rangers pals John Lundstram and Borna Barisic.
However it might not be for long, with Trabzonspor said to be pushing to get both players off the books this summer.
The duo arrived in Turkey 12 months ago following their departures from Ibrox under freedom of contract.
However, it proved to be a disappointing campaign for both, with midfielder Lundstram facing calls to have his contract TERMINATED from sections of the club's fanbase just weeks after his arrival following Trabzonspor's Conference League exit to Swiss side St Gallen on penalties.
Croatia international Barisic endured a torrid year with injury and made just 15 appearances in total before being shipped out on loan to La Liga outfit Leganes, where he suffered a serious cruciate ligament tear that ended his participation in the remainder of the season just 10 minutes into his debut against Valencia.
Turkish outlet Karadeniz claim that Barisic could leave the club on a free transfer if a mutual agreement can be struck. The defender has a year remaining on his deal and will reportedly require Trabzonspor to pay him €1.8million upfront to release him from his duties.
Lundstram is under contract until 2027 and the report adds that while no offers have been submitted, clubs in the Middle East are keeping tabs.
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