James Tavernier issues ‘really important’ update on ‘nice’ Rangers transfer exit speculation
James Tavernier has insisted speculation linking him to a move away from Rangers is just that while admitting it is “unbelievable” to receive the public backing of his manager.
The Ibrox captain told Sky Sports Scotland on 29 April that the year-long speculation, suggesting that a Saudi move to join Steven Gerrard in the Middle East was on the cards, would not affect his commitment to the cause in Glasgow.
The 32-year-old didn’t explicitly rule out the possibility that he might leave the club but emphasised his appreciation of Philippe Clement’s support while remaining focused on working hard for Rangers.
Tavernier said: “Yeah it’s obviously unbelievable that you have the backing from the manager. But I think that speculation’s been going on for about a year now so it’s football, there’s always going to be speculation.
“To have the backing from the manager is obviously really important but yeah, I’m a Rangers player so I’m just going to continue working hard for the team…
“You’ve always got to try and push yourself and it’s always nice to have that speculation, but again it’s only speculation, I’m contracted to Rangers and I’m fully-committed to the job in hand I need to do.”
Clement had brushed off links between Tavernier, Connor Goldson and an approach from Gerrard as he indicated the pair were important parts of his plans going forward and any exit would be very expensive.
Could Philippe Clement lose the Rangers captain?
It is easy to read too far into comments such as Tavernier’s when it comes to potential transfer dealings, and at this stage of the season with the title race still, just about, still alive he is hardly likely to commit either way.
But while he was clear that exit talk was just speculation he certainly didn’t dismiss it out of hand, so should events follow a certain pattern it perhaps wouldn’t be a massive shock if a move happened in the summer.
It seems quite possible that he is aware of the interest, not least when it reportedly comes from his former manager who he would obviously already have a relationship with, and knows as well as anyone that for the right price any Rangers player is available.
He was linked last summer and it clearly hasn’t effected his performances, as his scoring record is as strong as ever while the complaints around his defending and leadership of an inconsistent squad which lacks a killer instinct at times have remained exactly the same.
Tavernier seems destined to be a Rangers player whose contributions are more universally praised after his Ibrox career is over, but whenever that is he will leave a huge gap in production for Clement or another boss to fill.
The captain has earned the right to move if he gets the opportunity in the eyes of some Light Blues favourites, and it has been suggested that a fee of £4million would get the move done, and while extensive transfer business is expected this summer a Tavernier exit would be a big deal.
In other Rangers news, an update has emerged confirming a club is looking to buy a “great” Ibrox attacker this summer.
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