As per one of the latest reports by The Daily Mail, Sunderland are keen to add Rangers’ defender, James Tavernier, to their ranks in order to beef up their defence in the January transfer window. Chris Coleman’s outfit are languishing in the English second division and defensive recruitments in the upcoming month do hold a paramount importance for his side.
Interestingly, the reports also state that the Gers are ready to hear the offers for Tavernier, who has eighteen months left on his contract with the Glasgow-based club. The 26-year-old has been very much involved in the scheme of things for his current club, having played 21 games in the Scottish Premiership so far this season and also has 3 goals to his name as well.
The Black Cats are currently enduring a troubling run of form, having won just 1 of their last 5 games including their 3-0 loss to Sheffield United on Tuesday. After 24 games, they are placed at the 22nd spot in the league table with 19 points to their name and this probably sums up the scenario they find themselves in. Coleman must start to try to resurrect the form of his side before it gets any worse.
Tavernier, however, could be an excellent acquisition for them, as he does have plenty of experience under his belt and is well familiar with English football. He emerged through the youth ranks of Leeds United and Newcastle United and was eventually promoted to the senior side of the latter, although he couldn’t cement his place in their side.
Nonetheless, he accumulated valuable experience whilst plying his trade, being on loan, to a host of English sides and has the potential to offer some spice to Sunderland’s backline. He is a modern-day fullback who loves to maraud forward when the situation permits and can do a lot of damage to the defence of the opposition.
He has been regularly helping the Light Blues by getting goals and assists and his crosses inside the box are generally quite decent. Besides, he is more than a capable defender and makes shrewd tackles and interceptions to bail his side out of potential dangers. His value has certainly risen of late and there is no shadow of doubt in this.
Signed from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2015 for £200,000, his development has been notable. However, it would be intriguing to see whether he can be successfully lured to the Stadium of Light, given the current condition of Sunderland.
