Rangers surprise amid James Tavernier transfer developments as Deadline Day exit claim made

James Tavernier has caused surprise by still being at Rangers as the transfer deadline approaches but he won’t be leaving at this late stage, according to Derek Ferguson.

 

The Ibrox captain was widely expected to move on from the club this summer with Trabzonspor the most prominent in the race to sign him.

A bid was rejected from the Turkish side [Sky Sports, 21 July] but talks continued and an improved offer was believed to have come in [The Rangers Review, 23 July].

 

Yet while vice-captain Connor Goldson did ultimately leave to Aris Limassol the situation went quiet with Tavernier and a last-gasp exit isn’t now expected [The Rangers Review, 27 August].

 

Ferguson thought the 32-year-old would be gone by now but believes Philippe Clement has decided he needs to keep a key leader in the squad and won’t leave him leave now.

He exclusively told Ibrox News: “I’m surprised that he’s still there but I don’t think he’s one of the players that would have been told, ‘You can go’.

 

“With Tav, he’s the club captain and listen, he’s no playing at his best. I know they won handsomely at the weekend [against Ross County] but he still looks a little bit short.

He exclusively told Ibrox News: “I’m surprised that he’s still there but I don’t think he’s one of the players that would have been told, ‘You can go’.

 

“With Tav, he’s the club captain and listen, he’s no playing at his best. I know they won handsomely at the weekend [against Ross County] but he still looks a little bit short.

“Time will tell on Sunday [against Celtic] but by all accounts he’s good in the dressing room, he’s well liked amongst the players and there’s a lot of respect there.