£7M Saudi bid floating as James Tavernier discusses his Rangers future | OneFootball

If one story has been doggedly doing the rounds of the past week, it’s James Tavernier to Saudi Arabia.

The Rangers captain, in line for Player of the Season again with Jack Butland at least one other significant contender for the crown alongside John Lundstram, has spoken about this and other interest in recent times, admitting for the first time that while he is more than happy at Rangers, they hold the cards with regards his future.

There are strong rumours Steven Gerrard seeks Tavernier’s signature, with a fee of £7M being mooted, and for a 32-year-old defender that might be money Rangers would be very reluctant to reject.

That said, Tavernier’s numbers this season are ludicrous. 31 goals and assists in 47 appearances is a staggering return for any player on the pitch never mind a right back, and if in any season the captain has demonstrated his worth, it’s this one.

And it just strengthens the talk about his future, with Saudi sides well known to be looking at him based on what he can offer.

On the topic Tav couldn’t completely reject it:

The first two phrases are the first hint of Tavernier suggesting there is a chance of his leaving, and in fairness, if Rangers are presented with a massive offer for a player of his age, it would be impossible for the club to turn that down.

We’ve already discussed the club’s reluctance to pay big for John Lundstram because he too is the wrong side of 30, with next-to-no resale value.

But Tav being given a big payday in Saudi Arabia would be hard for either him or the club to dismiss.

He does love life here, but he admits for the first time that he may not always be at Rangers.

Those moving parts are indeed an issue.