Rangers defender James Tavernier has signed a new deal with the club – and it sounds like the Gers have timed it perfectly.
Last week, Tavernier’s new two-year deal at Ibrox was confirmed, keeping him with the club until the summer of 2024.
The right back was set to enter the final year of his deal, leaving Rangers exposed in the summer transfer market, but their fears have now been eased.
Still, Gillingham boss Steve Evans has told the Daily Record that he has spoken to ‘four or five’ managers who wanted references on Tavernier ahead of possible bids.
Evans – who managed Tavernier at Rotherham – suggested that Premier League clubs want Tavernier, but he loves Rangers so much that he secretly runs past Ibrox just to get a look at Rangers’ stadium.
“I believe Premier League clubs have come in for James,” said Evans. “I’ve spoken to four or five bosses who wanted a character reference on him. That’s just in the last six months.”
“But James loves being at that club. Some days when he’s out for a run, he’ll go past Ibrox – just to have a look at the place. He’d never say that in public but that tells you how much the kid loves it there,” he added.
If any Premier League club comes in for Tavernier now, Rangers have the security to demand huge money thanks to that new contract.
With Tavernier turning 30 later this year, it’s now hard to see a Premier League side coughing up major cash to lure him back to England.
Instead, Rangers should have Tavernier for years to come, and he can look to build on his ridiculous record of 63 goals and 89 assists in 284 appearances for the Gers since his 2015 move from Wigan Athletic.
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