Rangers right-back James Tavernier has revealed that he is eager to stay and impress his new manager Steven Gerrard at the Ibrox Stadium amidst speculation linking him with a move to Swansea City. According to recent reports, the Swans were being touted to make a move for the Gers defender during this summer transfer period. However, Gerrard is reluctant to let the 27-year-old leave in the summer which will be a big blow for the Welsh club.
Tavernier penned a fresh three-and-half-year contract with the Gers back in February. In a recent interview, the Bradford-born defender addressed his future and was quoted to have said, “He (Gerrard) spoke to me offseason,”
“We had a conversation and that was a surreal moment as I got a message from a number I didn’t recognise. I thought ‘who’s this?’, the message said Steven Gerrard. That was a surreal moment and I still have the message saved.
“We spoke about where he wanted to take the club and his vision and I’m on board.
“I have always said I have unfinished business here. I signed a new contract six months ago. I knew the club were searching for a new manager.
“When it got confirmed that the gaffer got the job then it’s great news to hear. You get excited.
“You never want to get complacent in your football. You want pushed and to push each other.
“That’s the standard we have now. The gaffer is always pushing you. It’s great to have Jon in, he has played a lot of games and it will be good competition.”
With Tavernier set to stay at Glasgow, let’s take a look at three replacements for the Swans to consider during this ongoing transfer period.
Bruno Peres
The 28-year-old AS Roma defender has been a rock at the backline under Eusebio Di Francesco during the course of last season. The Brazilian right-back has featured in 25 matches for the Serie A club last term across all competitions and has one assist to his name. At 28, the Roma ace still has a few years left in him to play at a high level which the Swans could look to utilise in the coming years if they can pull off such a deal.
Seamus Coleman
The Everton right-back has been plagued with injuries over the last few years which has hampered his development. However, he has slowly managed to return to full fitness but only time will tell whether he can reignite his career at Goodison Park. The Swans could take a chance on the Republic of Ireland defender as he has a lot of experience in the English top-flight, having made 259 appearances for the Merseysiders, registering 24 goals while providing 25 assists during his Goodison career so far.
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Mario Gaspar
The Villarreal CF defender had a fine season last term as he made 38 appearances for the Spanish outfit, scoring two goals while creating three assists in all competitions. He could be an ideal asset for the Swans if given a chance to prove himself at the Liberty Stadium.
