‘Rangers plan to accept James Tavernier offer after deal agreed’
Rangers are prepared to accept offers for James Tavernier during the summer transfer window following Russell Martin’s arrival.
That is according to former Man United chief scout and Sir Alex Ferguson number two Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 33-year-old will be allowed to leave if a replacement is signed.
This comes after Rangers agreed a deal to sign Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons, who spent last season on loan at La Liga side Valencia.
Football Insider revealed in April that Rangers are open to offers for Tavernier in a bid to raise funds as he enters the final year of his contract at Ibrox.
While the new manager is keen to keep his best players and leaders at the club, there is a belief that the captain’s exit could facilitate a fresh start for everybody.
Saudi Pro League and Turkish sides wanted Tavernier last summer but could not agree a deal, and their interest could be reignited when the transfer window opens.
Rangers to accept James Tavernier offers after Martin verdict
Brown told Football Insider in November that Rangers could offload Tavernier at the end of the season in an attempt to refresh the squad which had begun to grow stale.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has now insisted Martin will be prepared to let him leave after signing a replacement.
“Rangers have some big decisions to make now,” he told Football Insider.
“They’re worried about losing some of their better players, and they’ve got to replace some others.
“The captain and right-back, Tavernier, has been so important to them over the years.
“He’s been their top scorer, leading creator and best player year after year.
“But there’s been a feeling there for a while that he might be starting to slow down, so they’ve been looking to sign a replacement.
“If they can get one over the line, I think they’d be ready to let him go.
“Of course the new manager will want to keep leaders at the club, that’s always helpful, but it might also be the opportunity for a fresh start.
“If they can bring in somebody better, and they get offers for him, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him go.”
Hamza Igamane update emerges after Everton twist
Another Ibrox star who has been linked with a move away this summer is Hamza Igamane, who has attracted interest from Premier League clubs.
Brown told Football Insider on 21 June that Rangers are hell-bent on keeping Igamane despite that interest and plan to keep their best players at Ibrox.
Instead, Martin is aiming to add further quality to his squad around the forward, with a number of names already being considered.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 16 June that Everton and West Ham want to sign Igamane and have been keeping a close eye on his situation.
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