Rangers cannot relax over Newcastle’s James Tavernier interest yet

Follow us on Google Discover

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly facing a fight to keep James Tavernier at Ibrox this summer.

It was reported by the Daily Mail earlier this month that Rangers captain James Tavernier is on Newcastle’s radar this summer with Steve Bruce keen to strengthen his options at right-back.

Tavernier went into this summer off the back of his best campaign for the Gers yet. He has been a revelation since being handed the captain’s armband, and ended the season as one of the Scottish Premiership’s most lethal goalscorers last term.

It is no surprise that he has been linked with a move away from Ibrox, and Steven Gerrard will surely be doing everything he can to keep the Englishman at Rangers this summer with the Light Blues enjoying a very encouraging pre-season.

It did appear that the Gers have received a boost in their quest to keep Tavernier with Bruce telling the Chronicle that he had no idea where the rumours linking the defender with the Magpies came from, and insisted that he was not going to speak about the reported target.

Of course, what Bruce says publicly may be different to what is being discussed behind the scenes. And perhaps, Rangers have further reason to feel that relaxing about Tavernier’s future already may be a little premature.

The Sun reported this week that Newcastle have seen a £4.5 million bid for Emil Krafth rejected with Amiens wanting more for the Sweden international. However, the report added that the Magpies had felt that they had offered more than enough.

That stance suggests that Newcastle have no plans to return with a fresh bid – and in turn, perhaps it makes an offer for Tavernier slightly more likely if they are keen on the Rangers man.

The Gers can make a big statement and reject all bids that come in for Tavernier in the final days of the window. But that may not stop Newcastle trying their luck if Bruce is keeping his cards close to his chest and they plan to turn their attention elsewhere after failing to sign Krafth.