James Tavernier ‘has told Rangers he is leaving’ after huge offer – expert
James Tavernier has told Rangers he wants to leave the club this summer amid interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Scotland striker Frank McAvennie explained that Tavernier, 32, could collect a £200,000-per-week wage packet if he makes the move.
Al-Ettifaq are managed by former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard, who is keen to link up with his former captain once more.
Football Insider, however, reported that Philippe Clement ranks Tavernier among the must-keep players at the club.
Rangers’ right-back has made 458 appearances for the club since arriving in 2015, leading the club to an SPFL title, a Scottish Cup, a League Cup, and the Europa League final.
He also became the highest-scoring British defender of all time earlier this season, having now scored 125 times for Gers, rising to 133 over his career.
James Tavernier asks to leave Rangers this summer
Rangers will demand a £5million fee for the right-back should he be allowed to leave this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
McAvennie, meanwhile, claimed his request to leave may not go down well ahead of the Scottish Cup final clash against Celtic.
“I think Tavernier has now said he’s leaving,” he told Football Insider.
“I heard he was leaving, he’s told the club he wants to leave.
“That’s not going to go down too well going into a cup final, but he’s going to want to win more than one medal, so that will push him on.
“Fair play to the boy, he’s made his mind up. He wants to go and make some money.
“He’s one of the legends at Rangers, so fair play to him, he’s going to go and make his money.
“He’s not talking about changing the way of living or anything like that, he’s going for the money with Steven Gerrard’s team.
“The only problem is, you’re going from 50,000 supporters to 1,000. It’s a big difference. I suppose if somebody gave me £200,000 per week, tax-free, I’d play in my kitchen.”
In other news, Newcastle could agree to a big deal to sell Alexander Isak.
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