Rangers' reported James Tavernier asking price is absolutely baffling

Championship Swansea City are reportedly interested in signing James Tavernier from Scottish Premiership giants Rangers this summer.

James Tavernier of Rangers celebrates after he scores a penalty during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Aberdeen at Ibrox Stadium on January 24, 2018 in Glasgow,...

Even the staunchest Celtic supporter might have to admit that Rangers have the Scottish Premiership’s best right-back.

James Tavernier has been a revelation over the last two seasons, evolving from a defensively vulnerable potential weak link into a brilliant attacking outlet who has improved massively at either end of the pitch.

Tavernier is not only a solid defender these days but one of Rangers’ best attacking outlets. In all competitions in 2017/18, the former Newcastle United youngster scored or assisted 18 goals in 46 games – a record most wingers would be proud of.

James Tavernier of Rangers celebrates scoring in the second half with team mate Kenny Miller during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium...

So reports in The Mail (live blog) stating that Rangers could cash in on one of their key men this summer seems very odd amid interest from Swansea City. Even stranger, meanwhile, are the suggestions that Rangers would demand just £3 million for Tavernier.

Now, the average football fan doesn’t need reminding that the market has gone a little crazy these days. But in 2018, £3 million for Tavernier would be an absolute steal. Surely Rangers should be demanding far more if they are to sell one of few players at Ibrox who could perhaps be classed as absolutely irreplaceable.

James Tavernier of Rangers scores a penalty during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Aberdeen at Ibrox Stadium on January 24, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland.