Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Wed 13 May 2026 20:29, UK

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Newcastle United could be set to sign their former defender James Tavernier this summer when he leaves Rangers on a free transfer.

The 34-year-old has spent over a decade in Glasgow and was due to have his Ibrox send-off on Wednesday night against Hibernian.

But Tavernier has pulled out of the Gers squad after a reported bust-up with manager Danny Rohl, who had left him on the bench.

Rangers’ season has fallen apart in recent weeks, with Sunday’s defeat at Celtic Park confirming that they will end the season without a trophy, and this latest development will only intensify the pressure on Danny Rohl.

Newcastle transfer chiefs could well immediately enter talks with Tavernier, with the right-back now unlikely to play a part in the final game of the season against Falkirk next week.

Newcastle United to ready James Tavernier move

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider last month that Tavernier could join Tottenham this summer.

The right-back clearly still has plenty to give, and has scored 14 goals across all competitions for Rangers this season.

The Gers captain announced that he has decided to leave the club in April, expressing his desire for a new challenge in the final years of his career.

After 565 appearances and 144 goals since his 2015 arrival from Wigan Athletic, Tavernier would have received a hero’s goodbye at Ibrox on Wednesday.

But his bust-up with Rohl has promised a distasteful exit for the club legend, and talks with interested parties may already be beginning.

Tavernier played for Newcastle as a boy, rising through the academy and ultimately making 10 appearances for the senior team.

There has been a suspicion that the right-back may want to return to St James’ Park in a more prominent role, especially with Kieran Trippier set to leave this summer.

What Tavernier has said on Newcastle return

Eddie Howe had been keen to keep Trippier at the club this summer, but the 35-year-old is keen to end his career elsewhere.

With Newcastle set to lose the right-back’s experience, the manager may well look to an ideal replacement in Tavernier.

The 34-year-old is still of the level, and could be exactly the man to provide a commanding presence in the dressing room.

“It’s a compliment and that is how I see it,” Tavernier said when asked about Newcastle links in 2019. “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. I have always believed in my quality, even when I was younger.

“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.”

This summer, Newcastle could finally get the chance to provide that faith in Tavernier.