John Souttar is close to agreeing a new long-term contract at Rangers, according to a report.

It's claimed the centre-back, 27, is closing in on signing fresh terms to remain at Ibrox.

Scotland internationalist Souttar still has two more years remaining on his current deal. 

However, the Daily Record reports he will be handed a new deal by Philippe Clement after Ben Davies' exit to Birmingham City.

It's thought Clement is desperate to avoid players running down their deals and leaving the club as free agents as happened with a number of first-team regulars in the summer.

Borna Barisic and John Lundstram both departed Ibrox for nothing at the end of the season with the duo signing for Trabzonspor.

Clement, though, is thought to be keen to get a new deal tied up for Souttar with the defender part of his preferred centre-back pairing alongside Robin Propper.

The new deal for Souttar will see the player extend beyond his current 2026 Rangers contract expiry date with improved terms included as part of the negotiations.

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Davies departed Ibrox last night on loan to Birmingham City. It's thought the move to the English club may include an option to buy.

A short statement on the Rangers website read: "Rangers can confirm defender Ben Davies has joined Birmingham City on loan until the end of the season subject to international clearance.

"Everyone at Rangers wishes Ben well for the campaign."

It leaves Clement with Souttar, Propper, Leon Balogun and Leon King as centre-back options. Propper missed the thumping 6-0 win over Ross County at the weekend through injury.

Clement had said of the former FC Twente captain: "Robin is training individually for the moment, so he is a doubt for tomorrow.

"He will be 200% sure fit for next week, but it's a doubt about tomorrow, if it's a risk or not.

"We don't want to take risks for the longer term."