Rangers captain James Tavernier spotted with Newcastle star amid transfer talk
James Tavernier has been the subject of much speculation since Russell Martin's appointment in Govan.
Tavernier's future has been uncertain, with the Bears' captain having struggled at times last season.
Martin will understandably want to stamp his own imprint on the squad at Rangers, and after a new takeover and a new managerial appointment, replacing the skipper may have been the next major hallmark of the new era being established at Ibrox.
Tavernier has been spotted with Kieran Trippier in Dubai
For all the suggestions that Tavernier may be set to move away from Rangers, Martin has put an end to that speculation by confirming that he will retain the captaincy as we move into next season.
While Tavernier's future is now seemingly settled, the 33-year-old has been spotted with another man who has been hotly tipped to exit his club this summer.
The Bears skipper has been working hard away from the club and has spent time with Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier recently.
The pair have been spotted running together in Dubai on Instagram (17 June), with preparations for the upcoming season set to ramp up in the next few weeks.
Rangers should pursue move to sign Trippier
Trippier's own future is shrouded in huge uncertainty this summer, with the full-back seeming set to exit St James' Park, as per widespread reports.
Trippier's contract in the North East does not have long left to run, meaning he is likely to be available for a cut-price fee if the Magpies decide that they no longer require his services.
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With that in mind, Rangers should look to bring the defender to Ibrox, as he could provide invaluable experience in their backline, and also compete with Tavernier on the right of their defence.
The pair are both on the wrong side of 30, so Martin may welcome the opportuntiy to be able to rotate between the two in order to keep both of them fresh.
However, with Trippier's current wages amounting to around £5million a year, Rangers would have to decide whether they are capable of shouldering demands of that level.