James Tavernier finished at Rangers as Philippe Clement hunts down Ibrox replacement

James Tavernier could be set for Rangers departure if Ben Johnson is signed on a free transfer from West Ham United in the summer transfer window.

A report by TEAMtalk (10 May) suggested that the West Ham defender is going to reject a contract and depart on a free transfer.

Philippe Clement's side are said to be in the running to sign the versatile defender this summer alongside a whole host of English sides.

Signing Johnson could spell the end for Tavernier at Ibrox after the Daily Record (26 April) linked him with a summer move to Al Ettifaq.

Ben Johnson move could end James Tavernier at Rangers

According to West Ham news website Claret & Hugh (5 March), the Hammers defender is holding out for £50,000-a-week but that is more than they are willing to pay.

With that being said, he will depart on a free transfer in search of a club that is willing to stump up that amount.

Rangers could be able to make a similar offer should Tavernier depart the club and move to Saudi Arabia with Steven Gerrard.

The Rangers captain has been at Ibrox for nine years and has made over 450 appearances for the club, scoring 125 goals in that time [FotMob].

Those goals will be hard to replace especially given his proficiency to score from set pieces which makes him a vital asset.

With that being said, at 32 years old he isn't getting any younger and he may feel like a move to Al Ettifaq could secure him financially.

If Johnson is signed, there is no need for both of them at the club especially with the wages being touted.

In other Rangers news, Gary Keown slams what happened in videos of Rangers duo Jack Butland and Borna Barisic.

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