RANGERS have had a January transfer bid for John Souttar booted out by Hearts.

Ibrox chiefs are said to have tabled a £300,000 offer to bring the defender to Ibrox early after he agreed a pre-contract move for the summer.

But Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has revealed a bid was rejected by the Hearts boardroom as they plan to keep the centre-back until his contract expires at the end of the season.

Neilson also admitted Souttar has picked up an ankle injury after the Scotland international was a notable omission from the Hearts squad today.

The Jambos cruised into the next round of the Scottish Cup with a 5-0 win over Auchinleck Talbot.

Speaking to the BBC ahead of the match, Neilson said: “John had a knock after the game and it was on the same ankle that he had the double ruptured Achilles.

“We just felt there was no point in bringing him down here to sit on the bench so at this point in time he’s still a Hearts player and I don’t see that changing to be honest.

“I don’t think it will change unless a substantial offer comes in which it hasn’t.”

And after the match Neilson went on to explain the scenario over Souttar's future as he insisted he'll be back in the squad for the visit of Celtic on Wednesday.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, Neilson said: “John has an ankle injury. I know everyone will be looking more into it after what has happened but that’s the truth.

“He will be in the squad for Wednesday until something changes.

“We have had a bid in, but that has been knocked out of the ballpark.

“We value John very very highly and until that valuation is met then he will be a Hearts player.