OPINION
Hearts boss Craig Levein revealed he believes defender John Souttar wouldn’t join Rangers and his remarks seem to be a little misguided.
The experienced manager spoke about the 22-year-old centre-back potentially heading to Ibrox in the near future after the Gers were reported as being in pursuit of the defender’s services by the Evening Times.
Given this isn’t the first time Rangers have been linked to making a move for Souttar, as the Daily Record previously claimed director of football Mark Allen had identified the defender as being a top target for the summer, it’s easy to believe Steven Gerrard has a genuine desire for the 22-year-old to arrive at Ibrox.
Yet it seems Levein doesn’t believe Souttar would be as keen on the switch if his manager’s remarks are anything to go by.
“I’m not sure John would go there to be honest. No, I don’t think so,” said the Hearts boss, as quoted by the BBC Sport.
Yet surely the Gers would be able to attract the 22-year-old like a moth is tempted by a flame due to what they could offer him.
Souttar, who has three caps for Scotland, knows that if he goes to join the Gers not only would he be able to work with Gerrard, who was a world-class player, but he would get the attention his displays deserves.
Since Gerrard’s arrival at Ibrox, all eyes in the media have been on Rangers and if Souttar submitted the sort of displays for the Gers that he is capable of; then he soon would be highly sought-after.
Also while some may be pessimistic about the Gers being notably behind Celtic in the table this season, they’re definitely closer than Hearts when it comes to winning the league title.
Levein’s side currently sit sixth in the table, so why would Souttar not be tempted to join a side that is more capable of helping him fill his trophy cabinet?
Any player would be tempted to jump ship at the thought of racking up silverware and he surely knows that his chances of medals are better at Rangers.
So with that in mind, the Gers surely could make easy work of tempting Souttar to join them if they followed through on their reported pursuit despite what Levein clearly thinks.