Gerrard admits he’s had to pull James Tavernier away at times, predicts transfer interest

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Rangers will be hoping to keep James Tavernier at Ibrox.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has told the Daily Mail that he thinks clubs will be interested in signing right back James Tavernier this summer.

The Gers finished nine points adrift of league winners and bitter rivals Celtic in the Scottish premiership table, and will need further reinforcements this summer to chip away at the gap.

Gerrard will also hope to keep key parts of his squad together, with Alfredo Morelos and defender Tavernier the main names linked away.

Tavernier, 27, was made Rangers captain by Gerrard last summer, and responded with a superb season having smashed 17 goals and 20 assists in 57 games in all competitions.

Tavernier is clearly a Gerrard favourite, given that he’s barely out of the side, and his remarkable attacking output means he’s hard to replace.

Now, Gerrard has predicted that he thinks clubs will be interested in signing Tavernier, admitting that there have been calls recently and probably still is now.

Gerrard noted that Tavernier is always in every training session and every game, meaning he’s had to pull him away from the action at times, hailing his commitment whilst admitting that the right back does have a price, much like any other player.

“It’s no surprise he’s been on the agenda for most of this season,” said Gerrard. “There have been calls about Tav with clubs interested and I’m sure there still is. Whenever a transfer window opens, there’s interest in Tav. He has been so consistent and, for me as a manager, he has been there for every game and every training session. It has been me who has pulled him away from it at times. If I didn’t, he’d have played in every game. He has the body and capacity for any league.”

“In saying all of that, I want him in this league and in my team. We have a fantastic captain/manager relationship. We know his agent very well and, as with any player, I’m open to these chats at any time. The reality is, and I probably shouldn’t be saying this, every player has his price. Every manager up and down the UK has the same issues,” he added.