Rangers backed to accept Middle East bid for James Tavernier transfer at Ibrox
Rory Loy has backed Rangers to accept any approach from the Middle East for captain James Tavernier this summer.
The 32-year-old has been at Ibrox since 2015 and netted a massive 125 goals from right-back, but Loy argued that the club need to move him on this summer.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound [14 May, 7:20 pm) before Rangers’ 5-2 win over Dundee at Ibrox, Loy said that he “would take” an offer for Tavernier to depart the club.
“I just think all good things have to come to an end, and there’s been a lot of good times while he’s been here,” he said.
“But, I just think it’s time that he was moved on, and if there is an offer to come from the Middle East or wherever else, I would take it, I really would.”
Will James Tavernier leave Rangers this summer?
Rangers have been hugely reliant on Tavernier’s goals, assists and set-piece ability during his nine years at Ibrox, none more so than this season.
The 32-year-old has 17 Scottish Premiership goals and has netted 24 in all competitions during this campaign – absolutely unthinkable tallies for a right-back.
Tavernier is by no means your average defender, but his qualities at the other end of the field have been called into question lately, with high-profile defensive errors against both Celtic and Kilmarnock in recent weeks.
Alongside the emergence of Dujon Sterling as a dependable option at left-back or in midfield, now is the time for Philippe Clement to give the former Chelsea academy player a chance in his preferred right-back role – but the only way to do that is to sanction Tavernier’s departure from Ibrox.
A seven-figure fee for the veteran defender would undoubtedly tempt Rangers into saying yes, and with several other veteran players such as Borna Barisic and John Lundstram looking set to leave on free transfers this summer, the Gers should not pass up the offer to recoup some funds by allowing Tavernier to ride off into the sunset with his head held high.
In other Rangers news, Tam McManus has mocked one Ibrox star after what he said about Old Firm rivals Celtic.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.