Does Nottingham Forest’s James Justin bid suggest they have ended interest in Rangers’ James Tavernier?

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Mark Warburton brought James Tavernier to Rangers but it appears that Luton Town’s James Justin is now his first choice Nottingham Forest target.

Young, versatile and an England Under-19 international; it is little surprise Luton Town defender James Justin has attracted attention from further up the footballing pyramid.

According to The Sun, Nottingham Forest have made a £1 million bid for the teenage right-back, who played in 29 League Two games as The Hatters reached the play-offs last season and earned a call-up to the England youth squad for his troubles.

Justin (L) was a regular under Nathan Jones at Luton last season

Though it appears that Justin would not simply be one for the future at the City Ground, forced to wait around in the reserves for the odd opportunity. The report adds that Forest believe the 19-year-old has the ability to step up to the Championship and fight for a first-team place immediately.

Therefore, with Justin seemingly Mark Warburton’s first-choice target, it appears that a reunion with James Tavernier in the East Midlands is now looking increasingly unlikely.

According to The Scotsman, Rangers had turned down Forest’s bid for a player Warburton brought to Ibrox from Wigan in 2015 during his spell in charge of the Glasgow giants.

Tavernier is a divisive figure among Rangers supporters with many lambasting his perceived defensive vulnerabilities. However, the majority of fans appreciate that the former Newcastle United youngster is an essential, effective attacking outlet whose powerful bursts down the flank are central to Rangers’ attacking gameplan.

Tavernier scored 15 goals as Rangers were promoted in 2015/16

And it appears that the pro-Tavernier camp have just been given a boost with The Sun reporting that Warburton has identified Justin as Forest’s future first-choice right-back.