James Tavernier could be heading for a surprising exit from Rangers
Rangers captain James Tavernier could be heading for a surprise exit from the club this summer, according to ex-Eurosport journalist Dean Jones.
The GiveMeSport transfer specialist believes it is inevitable that Michael Beale will lose at least one player he would rather not as he looks to overhaul his squad.
Tavernier has been attracting interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, including former Gers boss Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said: “I think the one rumour that is interesting is Tavernier to Saudi Arabia. It’s not going away and also not being played down, so I do wonder if that’s perhaps the surprising exit from Rangers.
“I’m sure plenty of fans will be disappointed if that one did happen, but at a time when you are looking to overhaul the squad, it’s kind of inevitable that, along the way, you do lose somebody that you would rather not.”
Massive loss
It would be an absolutely massive loss if Rangers were to see Tavernier head out of the door at Ibrox this summer.
Since arriving at the club eight years ago, there isn’t one Gers fan out there that will deny that he has been anything short of superb for the club and has given his all throughout his time in Glasgow.
The defender has helped lead the club through some difficult times and played a major role in delivering its 55th SPL title, while also being pivotal in the run to the Europa League final last year.
It would be gut-wrenching for many to see him leave, but after his years of service, if a life-changing financial offer were to come along from Saudi Arabia, most fans would probably understand the 31-year-old wanting to leave.
It would be extremely difficult, though, for Beale to find a replacement that is such an influential figure at both ends of the field.
In other Rangers news, a Celtic-linked player sent a good luck message to a new Gers signing.