RANGERS hope to see off competition from England to clinch a Bosman switch for Hearts defender John Souttar. 

Boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst completed his first move of the January transfer window on Wednesday as the champions secured midfielder James Sands on an 18-month loan deal from New York City. 

And Herald and Times Sport understands Rangers have now made a move to land Souttar as he enters the final stages of his Tynecastle contract this term. 

Championship clubs Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers and Nottingham Forest are all interested in the Scotland defender but Rangers are keen to add Souttar to their ranks amid ongoing doubts over the long-terms futures of several defensive options. 

Jack Simpson is attracting interest from clubs south of the border and will be allowed to head for the exit door just a year after making the move from Bournemouth. 

Vice captain Connor Goldson is expected to leave Ibrox at the end of the season, while Leon Balogun is also out of contract this summer and Niko Katic’s Gers career appears to be over. 

Van Bronckhorst will be given some of the funds raised from Nathan Patterson’s £12million to Everton as he seeks to put his own stamp on the Ibrox squad. 

But Souttar has been identified as a key Bosman target to bolster his defensive options and Rangers will attempt to convince him to turn down a move to England this summer.