There is serious Saudi interest in Rangers captain James Tavernier as Philippe Clement targets a mini “revolution” in the transfer market.
Rangers boss Clement has worked wonders since taking over at Ibrox in October and has what many viewed as a limited squad very much in the fight for a treble.
But despite the club’s exploits, renowned journalist Graeme Bailey believes that the Belgian manager could well be about to overhaul things in the summer.
It comes with several of the club’s leaders out of contract come the end of the season and a general feeling of imbalance in the current squad at Ibrox.
Rangers planning summer transfer overhaul
In an exclusive interview with Rangers News, Graeme Bailey has been discussing the Ibrox side’s transfer plans heading into the summer window.
The former Mirror and Sky Sports journalist is hearing that there will be some changes in the offing regardless of the club’s success this season.
“I think Clement wants to do a bit of work, in the summer,” said Bailey. “From what I’m hearing he’s quite happy with the progress in the squad, even if its fair to say they are currently overachieving.
“By the same token Celtic are underachieving, and that’s what Rangers needed to challenge this season.
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“It’s fair to say all areas of the team are under consideration. You wouldn’t call this a classic Rangers team by any stretch and there will be work done in the summer.
“Even in comparison to Gerrard’s team it’s a patchwork squad, and even if the Gers win the league I am led to believe there’s going to be quite a bit done at Ibrox.”
James Tavernier a genuine Saudi target
One player who has been strongly linked with the exit door is evergreen captain James Tavernier, who is currently enjoying the highest scoring season of his career to date (21).
After nine years in Glasgow, you might be forgiven for believing that the Rangers skipper is in with the bricks at Ibrox but Graeme Bailey believes that the Saudi millions are very much considering a move.
The route to the country is increasingly well-travelled, with James Tavernier having the same agents who brokered a deal to bring Jack Hendry to Al-Ettifaq.
“Like I say, the squad will be going through something of a mini-revolution,” said Bailey. “We could see some of the older names disappear.
“James Tavernier is a real target for the Saudi Pro League. He’s huge for the club, and he’s not desperate to move by any means, but if Rangers get a good offer they will have to consider it. They are 100% looking at the Rangers captain.”
Big summer transfer window for Rangers?
It certainly sounds like we’re in for a summer of change at Rangers, and it’s perhaps been a long time coming.
Last summer marked perhaps the biggest evolution in the squad since the days of Steven Gerrard but there are still several attached to the club whose futures are in big doubt.
Whilst the likes of Borna Barisic, Kemar Roofe, and Ryan Jack look increasingly likely to leave, the argument to retain John Lundstram gets stronger by the week.
As for James Tavernier – it’s difficult to imagine a Rangers without the flying right-back and there will be a sizeable adjustment if we seen him go.
But with the skipper turning 32 last October, should the right amount of money be put up it’s hard to believe Rangers won’t at least have their heads turned.