More assists than Doherty; is Rangers’ wantaway James Tavernier ideal for Wolves?

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Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers want a back-up right-back and Sunderland-target James Tavernier is keen to leave Ibrox giants Rangers.

From the outside looking in, there does not appear to be too many gaps in Wolves’ formidable squad. But despite the exceptional form of Matt Doherty in the right-wing back position, there is arguably no other player in Nuno’s squad that could perform a similar role.

It is necessity, rather than ostentatious greed, then that has Wolves eyeing a back-up right-sided full-back in the January transfer window, as reported by The Express and Star.

And with Rangers open to offers for the buccaneering James Tavernier, will he find himself on the radar of the Championship leaders?

According to The Mail, Tavernier has just 18 months remaining on his contract at Ibrox and Rangers will consider cashing in during the January window. Strugglers Sunderland are understood to be interested with manager Chris Coleman eyeing an attack-minded full-back.

Tavernier, who has scored four goals and set up a further six for Rangers this season, certainly fits the bill. And the report adds that former Newcastle United youngster is also open to the prospect of returning to England after two-and-a-half years playing north of the border.

But if it’s a swashbuckling and technically gifted right sider that Wolves are after, Tavernier seems to have the right skill-set for the job. Like Doherty, the 26-year-old is not the most convincing of defenders but he offers so much in the final third with his set-piece threat and superb crossing ability laying on countless chances for Rangers’ attackers in the last few years.

Tavernier is already one away from matching last season’s assist tally. And during a sensational 2015/16 season, in which Rangers finally secured a return to Scotland’s top flight, Tavernier weighed in with 15 goals and set up a further 23.

The jury is out whether he is simply good enough for a Wolves side likely to play Premier League football next season. But his statistics alone suggest he’s worth considering.