Newcastle 'discuss' James Tavernier move in 'surprise' twist

James Tavernier has been backed to make a "surprise" return to Newcastle United as he weighs up his options after leaving Rangers.

The 34-year-old is a free agent after leaving Ibrox last month, and has attracted interest from a number of clubs in England, across Europe, in Saudi Arabia and the USA.

He is expected to decide his next destination soon, and now Eddie Howe's side are believed to have considered making a move to sign the right-back.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Howe is keen to add experience to his squad and Tavernier would tick a lot of boxes for him.

The former Rangers captain started his senior career at St James' Park, but made just ten appearances before he was moved on, and could now make a sensational return.

While it would be a shock to see Newcastle step up their interest, they have considered making a move after losing the experience and leadership of Kieran Trippier at right-back.

Could James Tavernier return to Newcastle United?

Football Insider revealed in April that a number of Premier League clubs have considered moves for Tavernier, although there are doubts about his plans for the future.

Amid interest from clubs in the MLS and Saudi Pro League, the right-back is considered more likely to move away from European football to land a final big contract.

Newcastle are said to have discussed signing Tavernier internally, and he is somebody who has been on their radar for a while, but it would be a surprise if they made a move.

"Newcastle have already lost one 34-year-old right-back this summer," Brown told Football Insider.

"After letting Kieran Trippier move on, it means they're left without that experience, leadership and know-how that he brought to the squad even when not on the pitch.

"Eddie Howe wants to bring in some more experience for his squad as a result of that, because it can be a big blow to lose influencial players.

"Tavernier is available after leaving Rangers, he knows Newcastle well, the club and the city having been there before, so it's no surprise he will have been on their radar.

"I'm sure the possbility has been discussed behind the scenes, he would tick a few boxes for them and it's something that will have been considered.

"Having said that, I would be very surprised if he did make a move to Newcastle this summer, because at his age he will be looking elsewhere to see out his career."

Which other clubs are interested in signing Tavernier?

There has been no shortage of interest in Tavernier since his move away from Rangers at the end of last season, with clubs across world football alerted to his availability.

In the Premier League, the likes of Aston Villa and Everton have been tipped alongside Newcastle, while clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey are also in the mix.

Meanwhile, Football Insider reported on 15 June that Tavernier could be a target for Dutch outfit Feyenoord following the appointment of former Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The pair spent a year together when the Dutchman was in charge of the Gers between 2021 and 2022, and they are believed to have build up a strong relationship.

Clubs in the MLS are also believed to be pursuing Tavernier, and would like to lure him to the USA where he can follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski.