John Souttar subbed by Hearts at half-time as Rangers prepare to make January move

Hearts John Souttar warms up ahead of the match against Motherwell. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

The defender, who has signed a pre-contract to join Rangers in the summer, was replaced by Tony Sibbick with the Jambos leading 1-0 at the break.

Souttar did not appear to be carrying an injury although was involved in a heavy collision with a Motherwell player early in the first half, but played on with no obvious ill-effects.

Rangers are expected to step up their efforts to land the Scotland international before the end of the January transfer window after a series of defensive errors contributed to a 3-3 draw against Ross County in Dingwall in the lunchtime kick-off.

DIscussing the substitution on Sportsound, BBC pundit Michael Stewart said: “Because of the fact he’s signed a pre-contract with Rangers, and they are reportedly making an offer to try and get him in January, it just adds a little speculation and doubt into what’s happened.”

Hearts went on to win the match 2-0.

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