Rangers are in advanced talks to sign the £4m “top prospect”.

James Tavernier’s brutal exit has sparked talks over who will replace him as the new captain at Glasgow Rangers, with a youth team without real leaders at Ibrox.

John Souttar, who recently signed a new contract extension earlier this year, has taken the belt in Tavernier’s absence this season, as he did against Falkirk last week.

That could make the Scotland star a leading contender to become the new captain permanently next season, although the experienced full-back’s start is not guaranteed, with his confidence looking “in tatters” given Kris Boyd.

Souttar may be on a four-game losing streak, although the Gers have conceded two goals in each of their last four Premiership starts, highlighting the defensive lapses that have plagued Danny Rohl’s side.

Strengthening the Centre-back is a must ahead of next season, and work has already begun in that regard.

Rangers are considering a £4m bid to sign the defender this summer

It’s shaping up to be a crucial summer at Ibrox, with the centre-back a key area to tackle, even if Souttar sees his stay extended by another year.

Derek Cornelius will return to Marseille at the end of his loan spell, while Nasser Djiga is likely to return to Wolverhampton Wanderers, leaving Rohl very short on that front.

That search for full-backs could be fueled if Rangers decide to sign in-demand talent Emmanuel Fernandez, with the Nigerian international being favored by Arsenal and Chelsea.

With the 24-year-old’s possible exit, TEAMtalk reports that the Light Blues are increasing their interest in 19-year-old defender Akpe Victory, with talks ongoing over a possible move.

According to the report, the youngster – currently plying his trade at Hungarian side Zalaegerszegi TE – has already become a target for Benfica, with clubs across Europe eyeing the development.

It is said that Rangers are the best as things stand, however the Old Firm outfit are close to submitting a bid. The deal is expected to be worth more than €5m (£4.3m) and should be facilitated by the player being ‘eager’ to join.

Why Victory’s signing would be bad news for Souttar

There could be a new feeling in the Rangers backline next season, with Tavernier on the way, a number of loan moves and new signings on the agenda.

A deal for Dundee’s Luke Graham looks inevitable by all accounts, with the 22-year-old likely to be selected alongside Fernandez or a new face like Nqobile.

That may leave Souttar somewhat cold, the 29-year-old has been a rare fixture in Rohl’s squad so far, starting just 18 games in all competitions since taking over in Germany.

His experience may speak for itself, having amassed 367 appearances during his time in Scotland so far, although the young Conqueror looks like a star of the future, someone Rohl can build around in defence.

Indeed, in the opinion of the Hungarian journalist, Bence Bocsak, the young defender is “a great hope” and is undoubtedly “one of the best young players in Hungary”, despite only arriving in January.

He won’t work for long in this country, in Bocsak’s opinion, quickly leaving the cards, highlighting the talent he has at such a young age.

He has made just 13 league appearances for his current club, starting nine times, yet has quickly made a strong impression, scoring and assisting one goal apiece, while boasting an 88% pass accuracy rate.

A giant full-back who also plays comfortably, the Nigerian has already got the better of Souttar in terms of his impact in the box, as the Scot failed to register a goal or assist all season in the Premiership.

Victory also comes out on top in terms of tackles and interceptions per game, averaging two in the Hungarian top flight, while Souttar averages just 1.4 in that regard.

According to talent scout Jacek Kulig, he is a “low-quality full-back”, and also prides himself on working as a defensive midfielder at times, highlighting his confidence and ability on the ball.

Like Calvin Bassey in the past, or Fernandez this season, the £4m man could be another promising defender that Rangers could nurture and develop before selling to make a big profit in the long run.

Souttar, it must be said, has had more than enough chances to impress, now it’s time to look to the future.

If a deal for Victory can be found this summer, then Rohl and co could be successful.