According to the Scottish Sun, Newcastle United have ‘stepped up’ their interest in Rangers captain James Tavernier.
It’s suggested that as of yet, no bid has been tabled for the right-back, but that Toon manager Steve Bruce wants to add him to his squad this winter and had him scouted during Sunday’s win over Celtic.
28-year-old Tavernier began his professional career with the Magpies but was shipped out on loan six times after making his debut in 2009, before eventually leaving for Wigan Athletic in 2014.
Newcastle, who were first linked with the Gers skipper in the summer, are currently 13th in the Premier League, but just five points clear of the bottom three.
Verdict
It should come as no great surprise that a Premier League club are interested in signing Tavernier.
He went through a decidedly sticky patch earlier in the season with defensive mistakes at Young Boys and Hearts costing his side points.
Yet, prior to and since that period, he’s been superb for Steven Gerrard.
(Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Recently, he’s looked solid defensively, while continuing to offer genuine threat with his driving runs and deliveries from the right flank, racking up 12 assists to date in all competitions.
The fact of the matter is, Rangers cannot afford to let him go in this window.
With the club looking to secure a 55th top-flight title over the second portion of the season, the prospect of losing the captain is close to unthinkable.
Newcastle may be readying a sizeable offer, but there’s surely no chance the Gers would consider any bids for the Englishman until the summer.
