Mark Warburton knows Rangers’ full-back James Tavernier well from their time at Ibrox and a reunion could be on the cards at the City Ground.
Rangers’ James Tavernier
Nottingham Forest making a move for James Tavernier was one of the most predictable transfer stories this summer.
According to The Scotsman, Rangers have rejected the Championship club’s attempt to sign the 25-year-old right-back though it is expected that Forest will return with a second bid sooner rather than later.
And it would be no surprise if Tavernier ends the summer wearing red rather than blue. After all, Forest boss Mark Warburton was responsible for bringing the former Newcastle United flyer to Ibrox two years ago before making him a mainstay of the side that finally sealed their long-awaited return to the Scottish top flight.
And while Warburton obviously admired Tavernier’s attacking talents, he hit 15 goals from full-back in 2015/16, the feeling was clearly mutual.
“The gaffer has to be one of the best I have worked under. ‘He’s given us the freedom to do that and he gives us every encouragement,” Tavernier told the Daily Mail in 2015.
Former Rangers manager Mark Warburton
“He brings the best out of us, he lets me play my game and we don’t change our philosophy.
Mutual admiration
Furthermore, the Daily Record report that Warburton’s Rangers successor, Pedro Caixinha, is less convinced about the right-back’s ability. Consequently, the Ibrox giants will listen to offers of £1.5 million this summer.
And reports that Forest have had a bid rejected suggest it fell short of Rangers’ asking price.
Yet, with Hildeberto Pereira returning to Benfica upon the expiry of a, let us say, ‘mixed’ loan spell at the City Ground, the experienced Erik Lichaj is the only natural right-back at Warburton’s disposal.
Therefore, you can expect Forest to keep their hopes of signing Tavernier alive.
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