According to the Scottish Sun, James Tavernier is now attracting interest from English clubs, potentially complicating his proposed move from Rangers to Trabzonspor.
The report from 19 July states that the battle to sign the Ibrox captain is intensifying, with several English clubs now vying for his signature, which could jeopardize Trabzonspor’s plans to bring him to Turkey. Although it is unclear which or how many English clubs are interested, Tavernier, 32, was reportedly close to agreeing on a two-year deal with Trabzonspor, with an option for an additional year, joining Borna Barisic and John Lundstram at the Turkish Super Lig club [Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, 18 July].
Tavernier has also been linked to a move to the Saudi Pro League to join Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq [Daily Record, 24 April], and Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Besiktas this summer [Sozcu, 9 June].
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has stated publicly that he would consider selling Tavernier for the right price, identifying Jack Butland as the only indispensable player in the squad [Rangers Review, 14 July]. The reasons for selling Tavernier, who has scored 125 goals for Rangers, are well-documented: he is in his 30s, defensively vulnerable, and represents a period of underachievement at Ibrox.
Despite these factors, it is no surprise that multiple clubs are interested in Tavernier, given his remarkable attacking output as a defender. This summer seems like an opportune time to cash in on him and give Dujon Sterling a regular spot on the right of the backline. However, Tavernier’s departure will likely be felt significantly once he is gone.
Clement and Nils Koppen have struggled to move on high-profile senior players, and while Tavernier isn’t at the top of the list of those needing to go, he could be a starting point [Scottish Sun, 12 July]. A bidding war for his services would be advantageous, providing the necessary funds to support the rest of the transfer window, especially with two years remaining on his contract and the added interest from English clubs.