Rangers to stagger with James Tavernier transfer, daft offer could be accepted
Rangers can’t be thinking about selling James Tavernier in the winter transfer window as they look to win the William Hill Premiership.
The 34-year-old has remained a key player for the Gers this season as they look to turn things around after a disastrous start under Russell Martin.
Panathinaikos are interested in Tavernier, with Rafa Benitez’s team weighing up a pre-contract offer to sign the veteran English defender.
Danny Rohl has reignited hopes of winning the league title at Ibrox, and Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises are arguably determined to back the German manager in the coming weeks.
James Tavernier Rangers exit ruled out in January
Scott McDermott would be “absolutely staggered” to see the Gers sell Tavernier before the end of the season.
The Daily Record journalist has acknowledged that the right-back might not play every game, but his experience will definitely come in handy at Ibrox.
As for the English defender’s contract situation, the Light Blues probably won’t extend his stay in Govan beyond the current campaign.
Speaking on Hotline Live on 15 January, McDermott said, “I would be absolutely staggered if Rangers would let their captain go in January when they’re going for a title. Is he going to play every game between now and the end of the season? Maybe not. But is he going to have a pivotal role in that dressing room if Rangers are going to have success between now and May? Of course he is.”
The journalist added, “Do I think Tavernier will stay at Rangers beyond the end of his contract in the summer? Probably not. There might well be interest in him this month, but I think it would take a daft offer for Rangers to accept it and let him go.”
Rohl expects more incoming transfers at Ibrox, and it remains to be seen whether Tavernier’s situation will change at the Glaswegian outfit before Deadline Day on 2 February.
Danny Rohl transfer priority clear at Ibrox
Rohl has been told to send Max Aarons back to Bournemouth already, after he’s struggled to make an impact at the Gers.
Rangers have had to rely on Tavernier at right-back as they’ve failed to find a successor for their captain in recent years.
| Appearances | 22 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Clean sheets | 6 |
| Big chances created | 11 |
| Successful dribbles per game | 0.6 (46%) |
While fans want the veteran Englishman to be phased out of the starting lineup, he’s arguably the best option at the Glaswegian outfit’s disposal for the right side of defence.
With Aarons not good enough, Tavernier’s contract expiring, and Dujon Sterling’s consistent fitness issues, signing a new quality right-back is undoubtedly a priority for the Light Blues, if not now, in the summer.
Stay up to date this winter with our Rangers transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Ibrox, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.