Rangers transfer news: Pundit expects James Tavernier exit after source’s ‘huge’ reveal
Rangers would accept a “big money” offer from Saudi Arabia for James Tavernier this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Celtic and West Ham striker Frank McAvennie hailed the captain’s impact, but claimed he and the club would be open to a departure should an appropriate offer be submitted.
Football Insider revealed (20 March) that Philippe Clement’s side could be powerless to resist if the right offer comes in for Tavernier, 32, from Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq or other PiF-owned clubs.
Sources have updated that Saudi clubs are continuing to monitor Tavernier’s situation going into the summer.
The Englishman was made Rangers captain during Gerrard’s spell at the club and has scored a remarkable 21 goals and provided 10 assists from right-back in all competitions this season.
Rangers would sanction “massive” James Tavernier sale to Saudi
However, McAvennie insisted that the Glasgow giants would accept a huge offer and Tavernier would be happy to spend a few seasons in the Middle East after his “brilliant” nine-year spell at Rangers.
“Of course, they’d have to accept big money,” he told Football Insider.
“James has been massive for them and has done everything he can for Rangers and broken all the records.
“His goals and assists for a full-back are absolutely huge.
“If I was their centre-forward and my full-back kept being the top goalscorer, I would not be happy!
“But he’s been brilliant.
“No matter what people say about him, he’s up a leg on the Celtic defence.
“He’s great going forward and he’s probably the best defender in the league.
“He scores a lot of goals from open play and comes into the box late by sneaking into the back post.
“I think he would take a move to Saudi though, I do.
“He’s won loads at Rangers – the league and the cup.
“If Saudi come in and Rangers get that kind of money, I think James might be the kind of guy to go there for a few years and come back.
“He’s an honest enough guy that he’ll go there and work and do alright.”
In other news, Big update on Rangers talks with first-team star after offer submitted – sources.
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