Rangers have conducted most of their transfer business early, and we think that their primary aim would now be to keep hold of their key players. One of them who is being linked with a move away is club’s captain James Tavernier. The Englishman has been linked (Football Scotland) with a move to Newcastle United with the Magpies reportedly willing to pay £8m for him. One might feel that the fullback might want to have another crack in the Premier League, especially with the Toon where he started his career.
Tavernier on Newcastle links
However, Tavernier recently iterated that his primary focus is on Rangers. The club captain recently said, ”It’s a compliment, and that is how I see it (On links with Newcastle). But all my emphasis is on Rangers. Things can happen in football, but I’m looking forward to this season. It’s all speculation. If it stays like that, then I don’t get upset about it. “I’m fully focused on the job here. ”
”Rangers gave me a chance. The club have shown faith in me. I have been trying to repay that favour ever since, which means working harder, getting better and better. I love my football here.”
This will be music to Rangers fans’ ears as a move to the Premier League might look tempting from outside. However, the captain seems determined to prove his worth in Glasgow.
However, there are no guarantees in football. If a bid comes in, then Gerrard might have to consider it. The manager had earlier said that all his players are up for sale but only for the right price.
What should be Gerrard’s play?
Anything above or around the £15m would be a tempting deal for Rangers as Tavernier is 27 and they are unlikely to get a higher resale value than that for the English fullback. The season he had last year really brought him back into the map in English football as he provided a whopping 20 assists playing as a right back.
The good thing for Rangers is that any possible transfer move will happen sooner rather than later as the Premier League’s transfer window is closing on the 8th of August. The Gers can recruit player as long as the second of September so, with decent money in hand, Rangers should have enough time to find a worthy replacement for the captain if he is sold in this window. Ideally, Gerrard should look to keep hold of him as the upcoming season is going to be a crucial one for the club.
