James Tavernier’s new Rangers contract timeline revealed as Danny Rohl stance emerges
Rangers are likley to delay James Tavernier contract talks until the end of the Premiership season so they can focus on beating Hearts and Celtic to the title.
Tavernier is a Rangers legend for his consistently standout performances over the last 11 years, but faces an uncertain future with his contract due to expire in the summer.
Danny Rohl‘s side are in a three-way battle with Hearts and Celtic for the Premiership title as it stands, and talks with the 34-year-old are set to be put off until after the campaign concludes.
He has scored 143 goals in 555 appearances for the club, while holding the captaincy since 2018, but has not been a regular under Rohl in the last few months.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Tavernier’s age and squad status could hinder him in penning a new deal, with discussions potentially set to take place at the end of May.
- Read more: ‘It comes as a surprise’ – O’Rourke drops James Tavernier transfer update after Rangers latest
Rangers could put James Tavernier talks to one side despite Danny Rohl’s view
There are some concerns at Ibrox over Tavernier’s age, but his quality is still undisputed after he netted a hat-trick in Rangers’ 8-0 cup win over Queen’s Park last weekend.
He remains a key part of Rohl’s plans for the rest of the campaign, with the German boss believed to want him to stay beyond this summer.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I’m sure there will be talks held between Tavernier and Rangers at some point, whether that’s at the end of the season, because all the focus right now is on trying to win the Scottish Premiership title.
“He’s been a great servant for Rangers, 11 years now, what a signing he has been.
“I still think he’s got a role to play for Danny Rohl going forward, whether that is being a captain and everything else.
“Even if he is not a regular in the team, he could still be a good backup. I still think he has an important role to play for Rangers.
“I think it would be a bit foolish from them if they were to let him go on a free, if a new deal can’t be agreed.”
Rangers battling Celtic in Luke Graham race
Not only are they rivalling each other in the race for the title, the two Old Firm clubs are both also interested in moves to sign Dundee defender Graham.
The Dee rejected a club-record bid from an unnamed club for his services on Deadline Day earlier this month, with QPR and Portsmouth both known to be interested.
Football Insider have revealed this week that Rangers and Celtic are watching Graham, who has made 30 appearances across all competitions for Dundee, ahead of the summer window.
He could be on his way to Ibrox if they are able to present the better contract, but it remains to be seen if he gets to play alongside club icon Tavernier.