Rangers have finalised a permanent deal to sell John Souttar to Greek Super League side Aris, with the 29-year-old scheduled to complete his medical on Sunday.
The Scotland international will travel to Greece to sign a three-year contract on the same day Derek McInnes manages his side against Celtic in the League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.
An undisclosed transfer fee has been agreed between the clubs following a rapid approach from Aris.
Rangers clear squad space and wages
McInnes previously admitted he needed to restructure his backline and sanctioned the sale to clear wage space as part of the ongoing rebuild.
No more players will arrive at Ibrox now the transfer window is shut in Scotland, but it was clear that Souttar had no future under McInnes.
Speaking to Livescore.com on Tuesday, the Rangers manager said: “I think the likelihood is that John has been told his long-term future would be best elsewhere.”
The manager noted that the Scottish transfer deadline passing would not block an overseas switch.
He told the outlet: “Of course our window to bring players in is shut, but there’s still that possibility for John, and probably for him to go and get regular football and peace of mind, that might be the best option for him.”
Defensive Test Against Celtic
The timing of the departure leaves Rangers heading into a high-stakes cup tie against their Glasgow rivals knowing what the defensive options are.
McInnes will rely on his current squad members to secure a semi-final berth, with Manny Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya forging a solid partnership at the back.
Souttar’s exit will be formally completed if and when his medical examinations conclude in Greece this weekend.
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