Kris Commons has told Steven Gerrard in his Daily Mail column to forget about targeting Aston Villa transfers for Rangers trio James Tavernier, Connor Goldson and Borna Barisic.
Gerrard left Ibrox to become the new Villa Park manager on a three-and-a-half-year deal on Thursday to replace Dean Smith.
The Liverpool and England legend departs Glasgow after clinching the 2020/21 Premiership title with the Gers, and Tavernier, Goldson and Barisic holding key roles in his plans.
Goldson helped Rangers keep 26 clean sheets in 38 Premiership games under new-Aston Villa manager Gerrard last season. The 28-year-old has also helped to three in 12 this term.
Barisic also played a role in 18 of the Gers’ 20/21 shut outs over 33 appearances and one in six this term. While Tavernier featured in 21 clean sheets last season and two so far this.
Commons tells Gerrard to forget about Rangers transfer raid with Aston Villa
But Commons doubts either of the trio are enough of an upgrade on those in Birmingham to warrant a raid.
Despite the ex-Celtic midfielder noting Gerrard must improve the Aston Villa backline that cost Dean Smith his job.
“Gerrard’s new side have the third-worst defensive record in the Premier League. If you’re going to stay in the league, you need to give yourself a better foundation,” Commons said.
“Rangers’ stand-outs defensively are James Tavernier, Connor Goldson and Borna Barisic. But are they going to improve Villa? I’d be extremely doubtful of that.
“Nathan Patterson could go for big money at some point but I don’t think it will be to Villa, purely because they have Matty Cash, who I think is a terrific right-back.
“Listen, Patterson is a real talent but he’s more one for the future. Right now, Villa need tried-and-trusted players to get them out of this hole.”
Should Gerrard reunite with Goldson, Barisic or Tavernier in Premier League?
Gerrard will soon know if Rangers trio Goldson, Barisic and Tavernier would be upgrades on those at Aston Villa already.
He already knows what the Gers stars can offer – especially his former captain, Tavernier. Who scored 19 Premiership goals and provided 16 assists from right-back last season. He also has nine assists and three goals already his term from just 11 appearances.
While Gerrard also claimed Goldson was a ‘valuable’ player while urging Rangers to resolve his contract situation. With the centre-back a free agent next June, potentially opening the door for a reunion at Villa Park.
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