Rangers right-back James Tavernier could be the subject of a bid from Southampton, according to the Express.
The newspaper reports on their website that the Saints are in the hunt for a player to replace Cedric Soares, who looks to be moving to Serie A side Inter Milan.
The report adds that the South Coast club are mulling over a bid for the Gers fan favourite, however, boss Steven Gerrard will not entertain any bids unless they are at least in the region of £8 million, especially if Southampton are to conduct talks over a transfer.
The 28-year-old only penned a new deal at Ibrox in September and the Saints have already sent out feelers to asses to player’s availability.
Good move for Rangers?
No, this would absolutely not be a good move for Rangers. They have already knocked back approaches from Brighton and West Brom in the past as it seems like Tavernier is a man in demand. However, he is their skipper and he only signed a new deal in September, so to offload him now would not make any sense – even if Southampton do come in with the £8 million offer Gerrard is demanding. It would be a massive mistake to let him go, so the club must avoid doing it at all costs.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10
Likely to happen?
If Southampton come in with the £8 million required to enter negotiations, then yes, there is the possibility that this move may happen. However, the fact that Rangers have rejected bids in the past indicates that they could follow suit. The fans would be in outrage if Tavernier left, and this is a factor that Gerrard may consider. Not only that, but it would also mean that he would have to find a replacement in the few days that are left of the transfer window.
Finding a capable replacement for Tavernier would be no easy task.
This is Futbol rating: 3.5/10