English Championship side West Brom launched a transfer mission north of the border on Sunday as they had a scout watching Rangers defender James Tavernier ahead of the January window after failing in their summer pursuit, according to the Daily Record.
The newspaper claim on their website that the second tier high flyers, who are very much part of the title chase in fifth, had someone watching on as the Gers sank to a 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen in their League Cup clash, with a close eye kept on the performance of the Ibrox captain.
It is stated that West Brom failed in summer with a move for the right back but that Baggies boss Darren Moore is likely to try and reignite a swoop in the winter window in a bid to boost his side’s chances of promotion, the defender in fine form thanks to his set piece specialism.
Good move for Rangers/West Brom?
Absolutely not. Tavernier is one of, if not the first name on the team sheet and letting him go would be a massive blow to their chances of any success this season.
He has proven his worth time and again from both open play and set piece scenarios, offering a dangerous threat from free kicks and corners and a consistent finisher from the penalty spot.
Losing him for any amount of money would be a bitter pill for Steven Gerrard and the rest of the team to swallow.
As for the Baggies, their system would be perfect for Tavernier to thrive in, operating with wing backs and a back three, and his abilities would bring a dangerous new element to their play.
This is Futbol rating: Rangers – 2/10, West Brom – 7.5/10
Likely to happen?
Rangers were reluctant to see anything happen in summer and not a lot will have changed heading into the new year.
Tavernier is still their talisman at the back and unless it was a bid of silly money, Gerrard is not going to be letting him go anywhere any time soon.
West Brom might be serious about trying to sign him, but really it looks an unlikely pursuit.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10