HEARTS have sent a firm transfer warning to Rangers over John Souttar after the defender agreed a pre-contract move to Ibrox.

Ibrox chiefs today confirmed Souttar will join Rangers at the end of the season after penning a pre-contract move with his Hearts terms expiring in the summer.

But Hearts have quickly sent a warning to Rangers chiefs over any potential early transfer move for Souttar this month.

Robbie Neilson had already stated it'd take 'crazy' money for Hearts to allow Souttar to complete his Ibrox move this month.

And the club have reiterated their stance on the matter demanding a "significant and satisfactory offer" if Rangers want Souttar early.

Hearts also commented that Suuttar will remain an "important member of the first-team squad" unless any serious transfer business develops before the window shuts at the end of January.

A club statement read: "Heart of Midlothian Football Club notes Rangers Football Club’s announcement of John Souttar’s pre-contract signing.

"The club reiterates that John is an important member of the first-team squad and will remain so until the end of the season unless a significant and satisfactory offer is made during the January transfer window.

"No further comment will be made at this time."

Neilson had previously said: "We have to keep our best players in the team. If that means it’s at the end of the season they go, then it’s the end of the season when they go.

"Unless there’s a crazy bid coming in, but I don’t expect there will be."

Rangers announced the pre-contract agreement this evening, with sporting director Ross Wilson commenting: “We are really looking forward to John joining Rangers and continuing his development under Gio, our coaching and support staff.

“John is a full Scotland international and has so much potential ahead for the coming years. I have really enjoyed getting to know John across all of our conversations so far and I can see how excited he and his family are to be joining Rangers. We are equally excited to welcome John to Ibrox.”