James Tavernier has been a key player for Rangers ever since he joined the Gers back in 2015 from Wigan Athletic. But recent reports have suggested he could be on his way out.
Last season, the full-back managed to score 17 goals and make 20 assists and there have been rumours that as many as 10 clubs have shown interest in signing him this transfer window.
Football Insider had reported: “More than 10 clubs are interested in signing Rangers skipper James Tavernier in the summer transfer window, Football Insider can reveal.”
“The Ibrox right-back has emerged as the most in-demand player at the club as Light Blues are inundated with calls from teams in the UK and overseas about him.”
“Ibrox sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Brighton, multiple Championship clubs as well as teams from Italy and Spain have registered their interest in Tavernier.
“Rangers face a battle to hold on to the defender, who they now value at £10million as he is at a peak age – 27 – and has three years remaining on his contract.”
And amongst all the interested clubs, it had been claimed Newcastle United have been leading the race to sign James Tavernier – especially since the right-back is an academy product of the St James’ Park outfit.
But recently, James Tavernier decided to talk about the reports of him being linked to Newcastle United and here’s what he had to say.
The Rangers’ captain said: “It’s a compliment and that is how I see it. 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. With the clubs, I was at, Newcastle and Wigan, it didn’t work out for me.
“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, my family is settled and I am in a great place at the moment.”
