Rangers ace James Tavernier has been linked with a move away from Ibrox.
Rangers have seen James Tavernier thrive over the last four years, but his performances since arriving from Wigan Athletic have unsurprisingly sparked interest.
The 27-year-old hit a staggering 17 goals and 20 assists from right back last season, showing that he’s one of the most dangerous attacking full backs around.
Rangers have managed to keep hold of Tavernier, but there has been real interest in his signature from clubs in the Premier League.
The main one was Newcastle United, as the Daily Mail reported that Steve Bruce wanted Tavernier back at St James’ Park, having come through the Magpies ranks.
Bruce wanted both Tavernier and Andy Carroll back, and whilst the latter arrived on deadline day, Newcastle signed Emil Krafth instead of Tavernier.
That may not be the end of the situation though. The Mirror note that DeAndre Yedlin is set for contract talks, with the right back fighting for his future at the club.
If Newcastle can’t agree terms with Yedlin, they may well choose to sell before he leaves for nothing in 2021, and they’ll be looking for an attacking full back to replace him – and Tavernier would fit the bill.
Tavernier isn’t quite as quick as Yedlin, but he’s still the type of right back who fill focus on attacking first, and having him in the ranks alongside a more solid, dependable right back in Krafth could give Bruce the balance he’s seeking.
With Javi Manquillo seemingly out of favour and Yedlin’s contract running down, the signing of Krafth may not totally rule out the prospect of Bruce making a new move for Tavernier in 2020.
That means Rangers need to keep an eye on Yedlin’s talks and potentially brace themselves for interest in Tavernier, and hopefully manage to keep him out of his former club’s clutches.
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