Rangers ace now close to agreeing new long-term contract at Ibrox

John Souttar is set for a new long-term Rangers contract after Ben Davies joined Birmingham City on loan, according to the Daily Record.

Writing on their website [26 August] the outlet reported that talks over a new deal are close to being agreed to extend his contract beyond 2026.

Philippe Clement is eager to tie down Souttar to improved terms after John Lundstram and Borna Barisic ran down their contracts and left the club this summer for free.

John Souttar set to extend his Rangers stay

The 27-year-old has been a regular starter for the Gers under Clement and has been involved in every match this season.

Since Connor Goldson departed the club earlier this summer, Souttar has emerged as the main figure for the Gers in the centre of defence.

Rangers fans will be relieved that one of their key stars is willing to commit their future to the club amidst the chaos, a positive sign that not all hope is lost for the club this season.

After the disappointing Champions League third-round qualifying exit to Dynamo Kyiv, Souttar looked dishevelled in his St Johnstone pre-match news conference as he struggled to keep his composure when answering questions from the media.

Most players would hide and shy away from such responsibilities after losing a match with vital repercussions. Still, Souttar gave a good account of himself as a Rangers player who cares deeply about the club and wants to be successful.

Clement would be pulling off a fantastic coup by tying down the Scotland international to fresh terms, the Light Blues are all over the place right now and the dedication to stay and help overturn the club’s fortunes cannot be understated.

The Belgian will have a busy few days ahead until the 30 August transfer deadline but this deal is arguably more important than any new signing could be for Rangers.