James Tavernier's 'most likely' destination revealed after 'surprise' Newcastle twist

James Tavernier is most likely to complete a move to the MLS this summer despite links with a surprise move to Newcastle United.

The 34-year-old left Rangers as a free agent last month, and has been weighing up a number of offers both in Europe and across world football to decide his next destination.

Newcastle had been tipped as contenders for his signature, as had other Premier League clubs as well as those in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but a move to the USA is now likely.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Tavernier could see out his career in the MLS where a decent wage will likely be tabled.

This comes as Charlotte FC have reportedly held talks with the right-back, with former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith keen to strengthen his squad this summer.

The MLS outfit already have a number of recognisable names in their ranks, with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and former Celtic star Liel Abada, and could be set to land Tavernier.

Will James Tavernier make the move to the MLS?

Football Insider revealed in April that Tavernier is prepared to snub interest from European clubs this summer in favour of a move to Saudi Arabia or the USA.

A number of Saudi clubs are believed to have been keeping tabs on his situation, but it is an MLS side who have made the first move, and are now his most likley destination.

At 34 years old, Tavernier is expected to be eyeing a final big payday in his career, and would be able to wind down the final stages in the MLS.

"Tavernier is still very highly regarded by a lot of clubs," Brown told Football Insider.

"There has been a lot of interest in him since he announced he would be leaving Rangers from clubs in the Premier League, in Europe, Saudi Arabia and the MLS.

"I think the MLS is his most likely destination at the moment, there's plenty of interest over there and it would make a lot of sense.

"He's in the final stages of his career now, he'll want a decent pay packet, so he can go out there and wind down until he's ready to retire.

"I believe some talks have been held with at least one club, so it looks like that will be his destination even though there have been a few clubs keeping tabs on him."

Which other clubs considered signing Tavernier?

With it looking likely that Tavernier will end up in the MLS, a number of interested clubs are set to be snubbed, having been keeping tabs on his situation.

Saudi Pro League and Turkish sides had made moves for Tavernier before his exit from Rangers, and are believed to have been keen this summer despite no offers tabled.

Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 27 July that Newcaslte have discussed the possibility of bringing Tavernier back to St James' Park to replace Kieran Tripper.

Trippier left the club last month, and losing his experience is set to be a blow behind the scenes, with the recruitment team considering the former Rangers man as a replacement.

However, any formal approach would have been considered a surprise despite the initial consideration, with the Magpies likely to move in a different direction.