Rangers defender, James Tavernier, is a target for promotion-chasing Aston Villa, according to Football Insider.
The 27-year-old has been outstanding since arriving at the Gers in 2015 and his exceptional goal-scoring abilities have caught the attention of several clubs in recent months.
Villa have only Ahmed Elmohamady, out of contract Alan Hutton and struggling James Bree as their right-back options, meaning Tavernier has become a target for Dean Smith this summer.
Tavernier has 11 goals and 14 assists in the SPL for the Gers this term, making him one of the most dangerous defenders the league has to offer.
Good move for Rangers?
Losing Tavernier would be a big blow to Steven Gerrard’s Rangers and he would find it hard to replace a defender who has scored 11 and assisted 14 in the league. The right-back epitomises a modern-day defender, his attacking ability is as valuable to Rangers as his defensive capabilities, although the latter perhaps isn’t as strong. Aston Villa will be in the market for a right-back and given the number of goals that Dean Smith’s side score, Tavernier fits the mould perfectly. Gerrard has said every player has his price, though, but Villa will have to pay a significant amount of money to land him.
This Is Futbol rating 2/10
Likely to happen?
Villa need to bring in new defensive recruits and Tavernier will be a player that will be taken into serious consideration. Rangers know the importance of keeping Tavernier and as a result, their asking price could be high. A lot could come down to whether Aston VIlla win the play-offs. If they go up then they’ll have more money to spend and Tavernier would definitely fancy a shot in the Premier League. If they don’t go up they could struggle to bring in many players over the summer. We’d say bids for the defender are almost inevitable this summer and Gerrard must remain firm on their stance if they are to fend off suitors.
This Is Futbol rating 4/10