Southampton reportedly wanted to bring Rangers’ Scottish Premiership right-back James Tavernier to the Premier League in the January transfer window.
James Tavernier has insisted that he is loving life at Rangers and suggested that Southampton were wasting their time attempting to lure him to St Mary’s during the January transfer window.
The Express reported last week that the Saints were keen to sign Tavernier, with Rangers valuing their influential skipper at £8 million. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side had loaned Cedric Soares out to Inter Milan with the former Newcastle United youngster seemingly lined up as an immediate replacement.
But, speaking to the Record, Tavernier has made it clear that he had no interest in moving south of the border last month.
“It’s always flattering to get linked with a Premier League club but I had a conversation with the gaffer and he wants me here. That’s all you want to hear,” the 27-year-old said.
“I love life up here and my family love life up here so I’m really comfortable. As a player, not even as captain, my ambition was to pick trophies up here and it still is.”
The Record points out that Tavernier, who has also caught the eye of Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion, signed a new contract until 2022 as recently as September.
And he has enjoyed another hugely productive season from right-back, scoring 11 goals and producing a staggering 14 assists in all competitions with Steven Gerrard’s side challenging Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
It remains to be seen whether Southampton will renew their interest in the summer though Hasenhuttl appears to be a big fan of youngster Yan Valery.
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