Rangers plotting to sign James Tavernier replacement amid ‘big’ claim – Insider
Rangers could look to offload James Tavernier at the end of the season and bring in a replacement to refresh Philippe Clement’s squad.
This is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who spent over a decade working closely with Sir Alex Ferguson during their most successful period, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Rangers have begun searching for options.
Football Insider revealed in September that Gers could look to cash in on their captain in January after failing to reach an agreement during the transfer window.
Tavernier, 33, has come under pressure from the crowd at Ibrox for a number of inconsistent displays so far this season as his performance levels have noticeably dropped.
This, it is said, has not gone unnoticed by the management and transfer team, who now feel this could be his last season as a regular in the starting XI.
The right-back remains a regular fixture in Clement’s side, but has completed 90 minutes in just one of Rangers’ last five games and only featured as a late substitute in the crucial clash with Olympiacos.
Tavernier’s current contract at Ibrox is set to run until 2026, but the club could look to cash in on him in the summer of 2025 in a last-ditch attempt to raise funds.
Rangers weigh up James Tavernier sale in new transfer twist
The captain has made 479 appearances since his move from Wigan in 2015, but his recent performances have raised red flags behind the scenes after interest was dismissed in the summer.
Now, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in player recruitment at the top level and remains well-connected within the game, has insisted that the club are now seriously considering his future and a replacement could be found as soon as January.
“I like Tavernier, but I don’t think he’s got long left,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s scored tonnes of goals from them and he’s always reliable on penalties or free kicks, and in general play, he’s been very good for a number of years.
“But he’s not been performing to that level lately and they’ve started to ask questions.
“One of their usual strengths has turned into a bit of a weakness for them.
“So, from what I’m told, they’ve started looking at options to replace him.
“That could be in January if the funds become available because it’s an area they want to improve, but I think it’ll be more likely in the summer.
“They’re not really in a position to spend big money at the moment.
“He hasn’t got long left on his contract either, so if someone comes in for him, I’ve heard they’d be open to seeing him leave.
“I haven’t heard of any recent interest, but there was some in the summer that may well have lingered, so it’ll be an interesting one to watch what they decide to do.”
In other news, Rangers could beat English clubs to sign Kwame Poku.
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