GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST insists Rangers will have to 'wait and see' if a deal can be struck to sign John Souttar during the January transfer window.

The Hearts defender put pen-to-paper on a long-term contract with the champions last week and will make the move to Ibrox at the end of the campaign.

Rangers could yet look to tempt Hearts into doing business before that, however, as Van Bronckhorst prepares his squad for the remainder of the title race.

Van Bronckhorst said: "First I’m happy that John is joining us. He’s a good defender, a Scottish international player.

"It’s also very important that we keep our Scottish identity. He fits perfectly in that role. So I’m happy we will join us for the next season.

"We will have to wait and see what will happen in this window. But as far as I know we welcome John in the summer."

The capture of Souttar was Van Bronckhorst's second deal of the month following the arrival of James Sands from New York City.

Rangers earlier banked a record-breaking fee as Nathan Patterson completed his move to Everton.

And the Ibrox boss remains active in the market as he seeks to bolster his ranks once again this term.

Van Bronckhorst said: "Well, we are of course happy with the move Nathan had. I think it’s a very good move for him, because he joins a very strong league at a young age. So I’m really happy for Nathan.

"Of course it was always good for the club because of the financial package we received.

"I think there’s still a transfer budget we have for this window.

"We are looking and might add a player to the squad for the balance.

"If it’s going to happen, I don’t know. We just have to wait and see how that develops in the coming weeks."