Exclusive Manchester United are one of four Premier League clubs impressed by Rangers captain James Tavernier, with the 29-year-old right-back now emerging as a viable transfer option to Kieran Trippier for the Red Devils.
- Advertisement -
Bradford-born Tavernier played ten games for Newcastle early in his career but struggled to make his mark on loan at several different League One clubs before eventually getting his feet wet with a move in 2015 to a Rangers side since the Scottish Championship. .
Tavernier has grown alongside the rejuvenated club since then, playing almost 300 games in all competitions over the past six seasons, and last month lifted the Scottish Premier League trophy.
He scored 19 goals in all competitions last season alone, 10 of which came from the penalty spot, but also added 16 assists for the teammate to score.
Tavernier scored 35 combined goals and assists as right-back in 2020/21 / Ian MacNicol / Getty Images
Tavernier was rewarded with a new three-year contract at Ibrox as recently as April and he is still more than happy in Glasgow. But Arsenal, Brighton, Norwich and even Manchester United are interested and can test Rangers’ decision to keep their skipper ahead of the new season.
The Scottish champions have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in an operating loss of £ 15.9 million for 2019/20, in addition to existing annual losses long before the pandemic struck.
Further losses will be expected when the 2020/21 accounts are completed, which will put pressure on Rangers to increase investment where possible and may mean that they cannot afford to reject any significant offers for Tavernier should they come.
Rangers may find it difficult to reject a meaningful offer for Tavernier / BSR Agency / Getty Images
Manchester United are looking for a right-back to provide coverage and competition for regular starter Aaron Wan-Bissaka and have previously shown serious interest in English star Trippier. But Atletico Madrid are holding out for a higher fee than United have so far been willing to pay and the Old Trafford club now have Tavernier on their radar as a potentially cheaper alternative.
In addition to United, Arsenal are also monitoring the Tavernier, with Hector Bellerin’s unresolved future putting the Gunners on the market for a right-back as part of a broader rebuilding of the squad.
Meanwhile, Brighton’s impressive Tariq Lamptey managed just 11 games last season due to a long-term injury and the Seagulls are keeping an eye on the options on the market. Newly promoted Norwich, who could lose Max Aarons, are interested in the other Premier League side.
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!
