James Tavernier has been the subject of speculation a few times in his Rangers career, the latest involving a possible move where the money is in Saudi Arabia.
Last summer, Steven Gerrard was said to be keen on being reunited with his Ibrox skipper, however, no interest became concrete and the right-back stayed at the club.
Speaking after being revealed on the PFA Player of the Year shortlist, James Tavernier has responded to the speculation and what his plans are.
James Tavernier opens up on Rangers exit speculation
Despite scoring 24 goals and hitting 10 assists, the 32-year old has still been the subject of criticism.
What hasn’t helped his cause has been lapses of concentration like the one that saw Daizen Maeda score the opener in the recent Old Firm derby at Ibrox and again against St Mirren in the first minute with Jack Butland able to bail him out on this occasion – there’s a reason he scooped all the club awards.
The reality is though, Tavernier’s numbers in the final third more than make up for the rare occasions where he may have contributed to the concession of a goal.
Even without penalties, he is on course to hit double digits for goals and assists.
Rangers have only had one winger do this in the last ten years since gaining promotion to the Premiership.
It’s not a surprise to see clubs interested in James Tavernier given his incredible statistics and status as the highest goalscoring defender in British football history.
However, it looks like he has no plans to leave any time soon:
“Well, it’s definitely not the first time there’s been speculation.
“Saudi Arabia’s been brought up, the past year it’s been flying about and obviously reading around what’s been said lately Connor’s been tagged on the list as well.
“I know it’s football, there’s always going to be speculation and I’m contracted to Rangers for another two seasons after this and I’m fully focussed on what we’ve got to do this season.
“And concentrate on what’s to come next season and I think the gaffer’s came out and said I’m a big part of his plans.
“It’s obviously nice when you’re a big part of plans, my full focus is on Rangers and I’m contracted to Rangers.”
Tavernier conundrum that Philippe Clement has to fix
Rangers could cope without Tavernier.
There is only one way that it is possible and, if Rangers get it right, it could prolong the career of a player destined for a testimonial.
Nils Koppen and Philippe Clement need to do what nobody else within the club has managed to do – sign wingers who score goals and create assists.
It sounds easy, but Rangers right-back should never be top goalscorer, even if they do take the penalties.
There isn’t a reliance on Tavernier to score the goals that he does, but if he didn’t, Rangers would find it a lot harder to challenge for the league title and trophies.
