JOHN SOUTTAR has been left out of Hearts' squad for their Scottish Cup clash versus Auchinleck Talbot this lunchtime, according to a report. 

BBC Sport report that the Jambos are in talks with Rangers about a potential January transfer. 

The 25-year-old last week penned a pre-contract deal with the Ibrox side, and is due to join up with Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men in the summer - when he contract expires at Tynecastle.

Souttar will join Rangers on a four-year contract. 

However, it is now said that Rangers have offered around £300,000 for the Scotland defender to move immediately before the winter window is out. 

The report states that this bid falls short of Hearts' £500,000 asking price though. 

If Souttar was to play for Hearts against Talbot in the cup today, this would see him cup-tied for the rest of the competition should a permanent deal to go to Ibrox this month be agreed. 

Rangers have progressed to the fifth round after Friday's 4-0 win at home to League 2 side Stirling Albion.