Why Rangers must do everything to retain James Tavernier
As per reports from the Daily Mail, Rangers’ club captain and right-back James Tavernier has emerged as a transfer target for Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Seagulls, reportedly, sent scouts to watch the 27-year old defender in action when the Gers took on Rapid Vienna in the UEFA Europa League (h/t Daily Mail).
Tavernier had a spectacular game as Steven Gerrard’s men came from behind to beat the Austrian outfit 3-1. In fact, the player scored a goal and assisted another that night. As a result, the Brighton scouts were heavily impressed and are set to launch an offer for the right-back in the next transfer window (h/t Daily Mail).
A graduate from the Newcastle United academy, the 27-year-old joined the Ibrox outfit from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2015 and has since gone on to establish himself as a key cog in the team. Since moving to Glasgow, Tavernier has racked up a total of 158 appearances across all competitions, coming up with more than handy returns of 38 goals and 47 assists in the process.
Tavernier played a huge hand in helping Rangers achieve promotion back to the Scottish Premiership in his debut campaign in 2015/16, as he plundered 10 goals and set up 18 more in the Championship. The 27-year old did not have the best of the initiations in the Scottish top-flight in the 2016/17 season. However, he came back strongly the last term and has continued where he left this time out.
In the ongoing season so far, the Englishman has already bagged six goals and set up nine more for his teammates in just 18 appearances across all competitions. The 27-year-old has been directly involved in a goal every 101 minutes on the field, which is an excellent return for a full-back.
Known for his attacking intent and pedigree, Tavernier has established himself as one of the best in his position in Scottish top-flight. His ability to drive forward constantly and hit accurate crosses into the box, coupled with his keen eye for the goal, has made him an instrumental figure in Gerrard’s team at the Ibrox.
Moreover, the Bradford-born defender has really stepped up since being appointed the club captain by the manager at the start of the season. A natural leader on the field, the 27-year-old is clearly relishing the added responsibility, as highlighted by the steady incline in his performance levels.
There is no doubt that Tavernier is an integral part of the plans for the Gers right now. And losing him at a point when things are starting to look up for the club would be a huge loss.
Rangers took a step in the right direction by handing him a long-term contract last month. Now, they must now ensure the 27-year old stays put amidst strong interest from the Premier League club.
