Rangers want to seal new transfer for next James Tavernier at Ibrox
Rangers are active in their hunt to sign Ben Johnson as a long-term replacement for current captain James Tavernier, according to The 4th Official.
The online source has reported on its Patreon site that the ex-West Ham United full-back, who is out of contract at the London Stadium this June, has concrete interest from Ibrox.
Tavernier, captain at Ibrox since 2018, has been linked with a move to the Middle East this summer as Philippe Clement begins a clean sweep of his squad in the transfer window.
The 24-year-old has become a free agent after rejecting several contract offers.
Will Ben Johnson choose Rangers?
The rebuild continues for Clement and his side this summer, wasting no time in pursuing several key targets and already confirming the signing of Brazilian left-back Jefte last week.
Defence appears to be the area which Clement prioritises first and foremost. With Jefte through the door, attention in the right-back position pits Johnson as the Belgian’s number one target.
Some pundits have tipped Tavernier to make way this summer after almost 10 years of service and more than 130 goals along the way, though it’s also thought that Dujon Sterling should be the player given the first starting opportunity at right-back next season regardless.
The signing of Johnson would give Sterling significant competition to make that spot his own, although it remains to be seen if the former West Ham defender will end up at Ibrox.
Leeds are one of several clubs also vying for the 24-year-old’s signature, leaving the firmly ball in Johnson’s court.
Can Clement sell him the project of building a title-winning side? If successful, you’d expect Johnson, with his experience in both the Premier League and Europe, to become a key figure for Rangers next season.
In other Rangers news, The Four Lads have reacted after five players were confirmed to be leaving Ibrox this summer.
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