The future of James Tavernier at Rangers remains uncertain with the skipper attracting interest from Europe and further afield.
Philippe Clement has spoken in the past about not wanting to lose his skipper, however, unless your name is Jack Butland, anyone in the squad can be sold.
The captain has been a rare sight so far in pre-season with a minor injury restricting the 32-year old to working on his own with fans speculating that there are other reasons.
James Tavernier speculation having no effect on Rangers preparations
Speaking to Sky Sports, John Souttar says that the rumours are having no impact on preparations for the upcoming season:
“I don’t think it’s a disruption at all. It’s part of football.
“In every transfer window at clubs like this there are going to be people linked with going and people linked with different things.
“That’s just one of these things, being part of Rangers.
“It’s going to happen, and it’s just important the boys here focus on playing football, and concentrate on training every day.
“Everything else will take care of itself.”
Tavernier himself has largely kept quiet other than a bizarre social media post.
Tavernier would be a difficult player to replace after bid comments
Philippe Clement dismissed speculation only a matter of weeks ago, however, Alex Rae let slip that there may well be something on the table for the manager to consider:
“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.”
Alongside Connor Goldson, the speculation surrounding Tavernier seems to be the most concrete.
Not only are they the captain and vice-captain, but they have played over 700 games for the club combined.
They have been a big part of Rangers – good and bad – for the last six years and more.
With no sporting director, Nils Koppen has to get the best possible money for the players who are sold this summer, especially those who can be relied upon to play 50-plus games a season.
