James Tavernier makes Rangers transfer decision with major pay rise on offer in Turkey
James Tavernier has decided against leaving Rangers despite transfer interest ahead of the Turkish transfer deadline, HITC reports.
According to the outlet's website on 12 September the Gers captain feels he has "unfinished business" in Glasgow and does not want appear to be deserting the club over criticism from a "minority" of fans.
HITC reported on 6 September that the 32-year-old could depart amid interest from Turkey and Qatar in the wake of the 3-0 loss to Celtic, after which he was abused outside Ibrox.
But after considering his options, and despite a "major" pay rise on offer to head to Turkey, Tavernier has chosen to stay at Rangers.
Philippe Clement to keep Rangers captain at Ibrox
The captain staying makes sense despite the unhappy situation he finds himself in at Ibrox, as a sudden exit after the Scottish transfer deadline would be an ignominious end to his Rangers career.
It can't be overlooked that his form has been way short of where it needs to be so far this season, and having been widely expected to follow Connor Goldson to the exit during the summer it may have been a mistake for him to stay into a 10th season.
But with the deadline having passed and Philippe Clement short of numbers in his squad already thanks to a difficult window and an ever-growing injury situation it would be a risk to let a senior man go now with minimal scope for a replacement.
Tavernier may benefit from a few games out of the line up since he hardly looks fit, but whether Dujon Sterling or Neraysho Kasanwirjo are ready to step in will be the determining factor for the manager.
Having ultimately rebuffed advances from Trabzonspor during the summer it may be that the club now feel a renewed urgency to address the situation in the January window.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst's Besiktas are expected to be monitoring his situation closely as suitors gear up for another run at the Englishman in the winter [Haber Turk, 10 September].
If Tavernier's form doesn't improve in the next couple of months it would surely make sense to begin actively planning for a departure and a replacement when the market re-opens, but in the immediate term it appears the logical decision has been reached.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.