Rangers captain James Tavernier could well be on his way out of Ibrox.
Gers skipper Tav has been the subject of formal interest from Trabzonspor in Turkey as the Super Lig side line up a third Rangers raid this summer.
But Tavernier could be forced to choose between a link-up with ex-teammates Borna Barisic and John Lundstram at Trabzonspor or the chance to work under one former Ibrox manager in Turkey’s capital Istanbul.
That’s because Giovanni van Bronckhorst is interested in taking Tavernier to Besiktas this summer.
With interest also mooted in Saudi Arabia, France and Greece, it appears James Tavernier will have no shortage of suitors in the weeks ahead.
But that hasn’t stopped one key Ibrox staffer from claiming that he hopes the Rangers captain goes nowhere ahead of the new season.
It comes after Rangers threw the Turkish side’s opening offer out, with the Gers braced for a fresh Trabzonspor bid.
Rae hails ‘integral’ Tavernier
Rangers coach Alex Rae faced the press following the the Gers’ ultimately disappointing 2-0 friendly defeat to Manchester United.
Ibrox manager Philippe Clement ducked out at full time due to a prior engagement and it was the former Gers midfielder who faced the music.
Whilst the pre-season friendly against the Premier League giants was the main subject of discussion, journalists couldn’t resist probing Rae about the situation with James Tavernier.
And whilst the Ibrox staffer admits that the details of Trabzonspor’s proposed Tavernier bid are ‘above his pay grade’ there were some telling comments.
Claiming that Tavernier remains an ‘integral’ part of the club’s plans, Rae hopes the long-serving Rangers’ captain sticks around for a little while longer just yet.
“There’s (been) speculation throughout the course of Tavernier’s time here,” Rae told Sky Sports.
“He’s been linked many times, lots of rumours, we just deal with it as it happens. Nothing to report as such.
“Tav’s a very integral part of what we do here and hopefully that continues.”
Pressed on the bid, Rae said: “Listen, I’ve no idea, I don’t even know what the bid is, that’s kind of above my pay grade.
“For me, being at this club he’s been vital, he’s been an integral part over recent years, I think 20 odd goals last year as well.
“We’ll wait and see what happens on all of them. I’m not too switched on about the ins and outs.”
Rae then added: “He’s still very much part of the squad.”
Rangers captain’s time not up yet?
These are some very interesting comments from Alex Rae and serve as a reminder regarding James Tavernier’s status at Rangers.
The Rangers captain is a crucial player for the club and even at 32-years-old continues to be considered amongst the Gers’ most invaluable players.
But money talks and if Trabzonspor can meet Rangers’ asking price then we suspect James Tavernier will have a big decision to make.
According to one leading Turkish journalist, the Rangers skipper has already negotiated a potential three-year contract with the Super Lig club.
At the same time, Rangers have been clear that they need a cash injection to kickstart the transfer window.
But going by Rae’s comments, whilst everything seems to be pointing towards the exit door, there’s still a big chance James Tavernier is a Rangers player come September.
