Rangers defender James Tavernier has yet to receive any kind of approach from Saudi Arabia amid links to Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq.
It was always going to happen, wasn’t it?
The minute Steven Gerrard was appointed as the new manager of Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq, Rangers fans will have expected the rumour mill to start churning.
Scott Wright was the first rumour – which we heavily doubt anyway – and we will probably hear more with the likes of Glen Kamara and Alfredo Morelos probably next.
It’s almost like Gerrard is expected to be on a Supermarket Sweep trolley dash to sign his former Rangers players.
It hasn’t taken long for James Tavernier to be linked with the move too, with 90Min claiming that Gerrard wants to take him to Saudi Arabia.
We can hardly blame Gerrard for fancying Tavernier; few right backs around can replicate his attacking output.
There may be a belief that Tavernier can be tempted by a big payday as he approaches 32 – but Rangers fans don’t have anything to fear right now.
James Tavernier to Saudi Arabia isn’t in motion
The Daily Record claim that there has been no contact with Rangers or Tavernier’s representatives.
Gerrard has only just taken on his new job and will need some time to evaluate his squad.
Moving for new signings already seems unlikely, so maybe Rangers shouldn’t expect any contact just yet.
Still, would Tavernier really want to leave?
Rangers have Champions League football on offer again and Tavernier will be playing a key role in Michael Beale’s revolution.
Tavernier is now edging closer to testimonial territory at Rangers and can go out a hero down the line rather than quit for Saudi Arabia now.
We can’t see Wright or Tavernier heading to Al Ettifaq any time soon, but we are fully anticipating more Rangers-related rumours after Gerrard’s move.
