Rangers must reject all approaches for James Tavernier as transfer news drops
Rangers are in danger of losing fan-favourite James Tavernier this summer, but the Gers must be bullish and reject all approaches for his signature as he still holds a crucial part to play.
According to TEAMtalk (4 August), Turkish giants Galatasaray are looking to continue their summer transfer business by making contact with the Gers for the 31-year-old full-back.
The Turkish champions are believed to have asked the Ibrox club about the captain’s availability and have earmarked him as a top summer target while also holding an interest in Finland midfielder Glen Kamara, who looks destined to depart the club in the coming weeks.
Tavernier also has interest from former Gers boss Steven Gerrard for a potential move to Saudi Arabia according to reports.
Ex-Eurosport journalist Dean Jones, speaking to GiveMeSport on 12 July admitted that Tavernier could be heading for a surprise exit with Rangers boss Michael Beale fearing he could lose a player he has no desire of letting go.
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.
Certainly, Beale would be happy to see the likes of Kamara depart the club, but certainly not Tavernier who still holds a massive influence and leadership in the Ibrox dressing room that could prove incredibly crucial as the club challenge Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title.
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.
Not only does Tavernier offer leadership and experience, especially with Beale building quite a young and vibrant group at Ibrox, but also his goals and assists.
The 31-year-old enjoyed a sensational campaign in terms of his goal contributions, recording 16 goals and nine assists in 38 Scottish Premiership games.
With Rangers needing goals from various avenues this coming seasons, from their new attacking signings in Abdallah Sima, Danilo, Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers, they still cannot afford to lose Tavernier’s qualities in that department.
Tavernier guarantees 20+ goal contributions per season, not to mention his aggression and defensive abilities when Beale’s men have their backs against the wall.
The signing of Dujon Sterling earlier this summer certainly pointed to Rangers having a long-term contingency plan in place, but Tavernier has shown no signs of slowing down and Sterling will require the Ibrox favourite’s experience and know-how as he beds into his new surroundings.
Tavernier’s qualities and influence are incredibly clear and even if Rangers receive a tempting offer for the player in the coming days and weeks, Beale knows what response the club should send potential suitors.
It would be quite costly to lose a player so crucial to their lofty ambitions next season.
In other Rangers news, one Liverpool attacker took to Instagram to send a message to new Ibrox signing Danilo