Report: Sunderland want James Tavernier; Rangers open to selling

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Glasgow Rangers defender James Tavernier is attracting attention from elsewhere after a good spell at Ibrox.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Sunderland are interested in making a bid for Rangers defender James Tavernier in January – and the Scottish Premiership side are open to selling the 26-year-old.

Tavernier has been a crucial part of the Gers side since arriving at Ibrox for just £200,000 in 2015, regularly providing goals and assists for the Light Blues from right-back.

This season, the former Wigan man has once again proved to be one of the most prolific providers of assists in the Scottish Premiership, setting up five goals for his teammates in the top flight – only teammate Daniel Candeias has provided more in the division – and he is now attracting attention from the Championship.

The Mail reports that the Black Cats are keen on bringing Tavernier – who spent around six years on Newcastle’s books at the start of his career – back to England, while Reading are interested in rivalling Chris Coleman’s men for his signature.

Interestingly, the Mail adds that Rangers would be open to considering bids for Tavernier as he enters the final 18 months of his contract at Ibrox, which may well give Sunderland hope that they may be able to get a deal across the line.

While the Mail also suggests that Tavernier would be keen to move back to England, he would surely be forgiven for being wary of wanting to move to the Stadium of Light given their current position in the Championship.

It is surely fair to say that his stock has risen during his time in Scotland, so if he is to make a move to an English club, joining a side that could be in danger of falling into League One this season may not be the most appealing option.