Rangers must stand ground and kick any bid into touch for defender

Fri 29 December 2017 6:50, UK

COMMENT

Rangers right-back James Tavernier could be targeted by two Championship sides in the January transfer window, according to a report.

The Daily Mail claims that Sunderland and Reading are keeping close tabs on Tavernier but it would be foolish to sell the right-back since he’s the only decent one they have so any potential bid must be kicked straight into touch.

Admittedly Rangers have Lee Hodson on their books but having had the misfortune of seeing him play it’s safe to say he’s not a right-back.

Tavernier has been a mainstay in the Rangers side since joining from Wigan in 2015 and would have to bring someone else in to replace the 26-year-old former Newcastle defender.

If the manager search at Ibrox is anything to go by, a replacement for Tavernier would arrive at Ibrox just in time for the next winter transfer window to open.

Neither Sunderland nor Reading are going to make a ridiculous offer for the right-back – and despite the Mail’s claim “cash-strapped” Rangers will listen to offers, there’s nothing which suggests that to be anywhere close to the truth.

If Sunderland or Reading want to offer £5million for Tavernier then they are welcome to him but – given Martin Bain is in control of the purse strings at Sunderland – it’s more likely to be £5 that is offered.