Michael Beale reacts to Rangers transfer exit danger for James Tavernier after contact with Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia
Michael Beale has laughed off the possibility of former boss Steven Gerrard raiding Rangers for James Tavernier for his new job in Saudi Arabia.
The former Ibrox manager has taken over at Al Ettifaq and is reportedly interested in a move for the star skipper [90min, 4 July], as well as a “bumper Saudi offer” for attacking midfielder Scott Wright [Daily Record, 4 July], as two of his first signings in the big-spending Middle Eastern league.
Beale says he’s had contact with Gerrard in the past week after the Liverpool legend was confirmed on Monday (3 July) but didn’t suggest any transfer arrangements were discussed.
A report from The Times on Sunday carried quotes from Beale and said: “Wright and captain James Tavernier were linked with moves to Saudi Arabia after Gerrard took over as manager of Al Ettifaq there last week.
“Beale exchanged messages with him when the appointment was confirmed. ‘I wished him well. It’s an exciting journey for him. I am delighted to see him and some of the staff I previously worked with back together and working.’
“But what if Gerrard and his limitless resources came for some of his players? Beale laughed. ‘It depends how much he comes with…’.”
Everyone has their price
The Rangers boss would no doubt be far more open to Gerrard putting big money on the table for Wright than he would Tavernier.
But while his response was tongue in cheek he would probably be forced to consider it if there was a huge bid for the captain.
Money talks in football and has already convinced a host of big names to switch European clubs for Saudi counterparts, so it is hard to rule anything out until the transfer window is closed.
Beale may be playing his cards close to his chest but it doesn’t sound like he is especially worried about losing Tavernier at this stage.
However, the door is surely open for a Wright deal to be done if Gerrard does want the 25-year-old, and there are sure to be some departures soon after weeks of new arrivals at Ibrox.
The familiarity between Rangers managers past and present mean the line of communication is clearly open, but it remains to be seen whether it will be utilised to facilitate transfers this summer.
In other Rangers news, a seventh summer signing has been reportedly lined up as it is now “very close” to being agreed.