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Rangers are set to wait until later in the summer to make a move for Hearts defender John Souttar, according to website Football Insider.

What's the story?

The outlet reckon that while Steven Gerrard and his recruitment team at Ibrox are keen on on the Tynecastle stopper, the player himself is unlikely to make an early summer move away from Edinburgh.

Clubs such as a Derby County are also keen on the defender, according to the report, so it could be a tricky few months when it comes to securing his signature.

Defence is clearly a priority for Gerrard, with reports this week that a third bid will be lodged for Oldham centre-back George Edmundson.

Urgent action

Gerrard's problem when it comes to a potential Souttar deal is that he badly needs the right personnel in place for upcoming UEFA Europa League qualifiers, which kick off in less than two months' time.

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With Joe Worrall leaving to go back to Nottingham Forest and Gareth McAuley's contract expiring, it's crucial that Rangers get the right business done in the defensive line as early as possible. Back-up could be needed in case of injury to Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic.

Ordinarily a player of Souttar's calibre would be worth waiting on, but the European qualifiers are so important to Rangers' progression at the club. The run to the group stages of the competition in 2018/19 gave the side great confidence and huge financially.

If the Hearts defender is not up for a move until later in the window, it could be time to move onto other targets.