Transfer latest on Rangers captain James Tavernier as Euro club ‘meet with player’s agent and ask how much... (original) (raw)

JAMES TAVERNIER has been offered an escape route from Rangers just a week after facing abuse from Ibrox fans in the wake of the recent Old Firm defeat.

We told you last week how the Rangers skipper could still leave the club in the coming days due to transfer windows still being open in countries across Europe and further afield.

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Tavernier could have played his last game for the GersCredit: Kenny Ramsay

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His agent has been keeping the player's options openCredit: Willie Vass

Speculation has swirled around the captain all summer and it was suggested the Gers had booted out an approach from Turkish outfit Trabzonspor earlier in the window.

The Super Lig outfit had already snapped up Borna Barisic and John Lundstram on free transfers and they were looking to make it a hat-trick with a shock swoop for the right-back.

However, there has been little talk over a potential move to Trabzon in recent weeks.

But he could still head to Turkey after all.

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Unlike the UK transfer deadline on August 30, Turkish clubs have until September 13 to wrap up their summer business, so there's still a few days to get deals over the line.

And it's believed that FOUR clubs from the country have been looking at Tavernier throughout the window.

Reports a few days ago claimed Istanbul Basaksehir, Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas are all interested in the 32-year-old and could make a late move to prise him away from Scotland.

Now it's being suggested that one of those teams have made an initial approach for the player and currently lead the race for his signature.

That club is Besiktas, who are managed by the veteran full-back's former Gers gaffer Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The Istanbul-based club have been tracking the defender throughout the window but new reports suggest there has been a major development.

Gordon Ramsay meets Rangers skipper James Tavernier and puts Gers chefs through paces

Turkish outlet FotoMac say Van Bronckhorst has already held talks with Tavernier's agent to discuss what offer it would take for him to leave Rangers before their window slams shut on Friday.

Tavernier's current contract at Ibrox runs until 2026 and it was believed earlier in the window that he wanted to see his deal out in Glasgow.

But his plans may have since changed after being subjected abuse from a fan outside the stadium following their 3-0 defeat to Celtic last weekend.

Tavernier might not be the only Rangers man heading to Turkey in the coming days.

Tavernier's career to date

• Player Profile: James Tavernier, born on 31 October 1991, is an English professional footballer.
• Current Club: He plays as a right-back for Scottish Premiership club Rangers and is the club captain.
• Early Career: Tavernier began his career at the Leeds United Academy before moving to Newcastle United.
• Loan Spells: At Newcastle, he spent most of his time on loan to six lower-level clubs.
• Rotherham Success: He won the League One playoffs with Rotherham United while on loan.
• Struggles at Wigan: In 2014, he signed for Wigan Athletic but only made 13 appearances and left a year later.
• Bristol City Loan: Tavernier spent the second half of his Wigan season on loan at Bristol City, helping them win League One.
• Joining Rangers: He signed for Rangers in 2015, scoring the goal that won them the Scottish Championship in his first season.
• Becoming Captain: Tavernier was named Rangers' club captain at the start of the 2018–19 season.
• Scottish Premiership Victory: He led Rangers to win the Scottish Premiership in 2021 and the Scottish Cup in the following season.
• Europa League Achievement: Tavernier was the top scorer as Rangers finished runners-up in the 2021–22 UEFA Europa League.
• Club Contributions: He has made over 400 appearances for Rangers, scoring over 120 goals.
• Individual Accolades: He was PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year in 2021.
• Hall of Fame Induction: Tavernier was inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame in 2023.
• Record-Breaking Defender: In March 2024, he became the highest-scoring defender in British professional football history.
• Loan Journeys: Tavernier's early career included multiple loan spells at clubs like Gateshead, Carlisle United, Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, and Shrewsbury Town.
• Promotion with Rotherham: He played a crucial role in Rotherham United’s promotion to the Championship.
• Contract Extensions: At Rangers, he signed a contract extension in 2016 after initial negotiations. He is now contracted at the club until the summer of 2026 following his most recent extension n 2022.
• European Goals: Tavernier scored crucial goals in European competitions, including against Borussia Dortmund and Braga.
• Family and Heritage: His younger brother, Marcus Tavernier, is also a professional footballer, and James is of Jamaican descent through his mother.

One of his former team-mates could be going there too after being linked with a shock deal at a second division club.

Turkish reports have also claimed today that Ryan Jack is closing in on a move to Erokspor.

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Jack, 32, has without a club since leaving Rangers at the end of the last season and has reportedly received an offer from the third division champions.

The latest developments come after the midfielder set tongues wagging by posting a picture on social media alongside a love heart eyes emoji and Turkish flag.

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