BBC Scotland pundit reacts instantly as Fabrizio Romano drops ‘cheeky’ Rangers transfer news
Andrew Maclean and Marvin Bartley have reacted live on air to Fabrizio Romano’s post that Trabzonspor have sent Rangers captain James Tavernier a proposal.
The duo, live on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on Thursday [18 July, 36m50s] gave instant reactions as Romano posted on his X account [18 July] that the Turkish side have sent the Gers skipper a formal offer.
Trabzonspor have already signed Borna Barisic and John Lundstram as free agents from Ibrox this summer, and are looking to add Tavernier – who has been heavily linked with a move before this season begins.
Maclean instantly quipped: “I don’t know if Trabzonspor have just been sat watching Rangers games and have decided to try and sign the whole team. It looks to be a significant move – it will get fans talking.”
Bartley responded: “Unless it’s something above what Rangers value him at, I think it will be a firm ‘no’. There is a divided opinion on Tavernier, and I know there have been doubts defensively – but it would leave a massive hole in terms of goals and assists.
“[Philippe] Clement’s recent comments were that they need to sell before they buy, so now clubs will be circling around thinking they should put in a cheeky bid for a certain player with Rangers needing to bring money in.”
Will Tavernier remain at Rangers this season?
The debate over whether Tavernier’s career at Rangers has run its race is still a hot topic among fans in Glasgow, with the captain having now spent nine years at Ibrox.
At 32 and with two years remaining on his current deal, it would be now when the club would recoup the highest fee for him, which could make any Trabzonspor approach tempting to entertain as long as the offer to the Light Blues is not derisory.
Tavernier has for a while been linked with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, and a possible reunion with Steven Gerrard – the Gers boss who handed him the armband six years ago.
Regardless of the split opinion on Tavernier, the fact remains that he is a key cog both on the field and in the dressing room, and would take considerable replacing.
The squad rebuild currently underway at the club means keeping Tavernier could retain some stability and consistency among the pool of players Philippe Clement has at his disposal.
In other Rangers news, Dan Bardell has encouraged the club to opt for a younger midfielder in Europe.
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