After a quiet couple of weeks, things are starting to hot up for Rangers as Philippe Clement looks to kick-start his transfer business.
When he explained the reality of needing to sell before he could buy, frustration began to grow when Sam Lammers priced himself out of moves to the Eredivisie and Cyriel Dessers confessed his desire to stay at Ibrox.
Long expected to move to Saudi Arabia, it appears that James Tavernier could be heading in an entirely different direction if he leaves Rangers after nine years as more clubs join the race for his signature.
James Tavernier could have his choice of clubs to leave Rangers
Doubts about the skipper’s future started circulating in the pre-season tour to the Netherlands when he was absent from training videos and the friendly against Ajax.
Clement was asked to explain and revealed that there was nothing sinister:
“James has a small injury.
“It’s nothing big. But it’s too much for him to train with the squad at the moment. We expect him back at the beginning of next week, the end of next week. It all depends on how it evolves.
“Everyday it’s better but he is very disappointed that he could not train with the team. He’s been a little bit down because he loves to play football.
“He loves to work with the ball, more than he does doing all these exercises or running laps round the pitch alone that he’s been doing.
“It’s not a nice time so he wants to be back as soon as possible. It’s three weeks still to go so let’s first bring him back into training fit and to build him again.”
New clubs join Tavernier transfer chase
Now, it looks like James Tavernier might not be seen in Rangers colours again.
According to The Sun, the captain isn’t just being eyed for a move to Trabzonspor who he has reportedly agreed terms with despite a gap in valuations, clubs in England are said to be trying to hijack the transfer to Turkey.
No clubs have been named yet, but it would be surprising to see Tavernier turn his back on Rangers to go to a Championship side despite turning 33 early this season.
Clement spoke about every player having their price and that it would take a lot of money to persuade him to part with Tavernier and Connor Goldson, if it is the sort of money that can be used to sign a new right winger then it will be hard to turn down.
One of the mistakes of the past that the Gers boss alluded to when talking about the five senior players who left this summer, is not selling players at the right time.
If the money on the table is close to what Rangers are looking for Tavernier’s days training at Auchenhowie could be numbered.
