OPINION
Jackie McNamara is bound to ruffle some feathers as he can envision Rangers defender James Tavernier getting a move away from Ibrox.
The Daily Mail previously reported that Aston Villa, Brighton and West Bromwich Albion were all keen on signing the 27-year-old right-back, with the Villans in particular being keen to strengthen their full-back options.
The Celtic legend was asked for his verdict on the reported interest in Tavernier and shared he could see the defender getting a move; which in turn would be a big loss for the Gers.
“He’d do okay, he’s scored a lot of goals, I know a lot of them are penalties but his deliveries and his assists have been very good on that right side,” said McNamara in an interview with Football Insider.
“He’ll be a loss for Rangers if they lose him, to go and replace him, but you can see him getting a move.”
Rangers fans probably aren’t fussed that McNamara thinks Tavernier would do well for a team like Villa, as they likely agree, but they will be agitated that the retired footballer can see a deal happen.
Gers supporters and Steven Gerrard clearly wouldn’t want to see the 27-year-old depart Ibrox anytime soon as he is key to the club’s success.
Not only is Tavernier the captain of Rangers, but he scored an impressive 17 goals as well as registering 20 assists in his 57 outings in his 2018/19 campaign.
The right-back in fact was directly involved with a staggering 34% of the Gers’ league goals (Source: Transfermarkt) despite being a defender.
Given that Tavernier pulls his weight defensively, if he left the Gers would need to find a replacement capable of racking up clean sheets as well as one that could replace the 27-year-old’s goal threat, and that seems a near-impossible task.
And that’s before you consider what budget the Gers would be working on.
By all accounts Tavernier seems happy at Ibrox with him contracted to stay until 2022, so many will be convinced that he will stay at Rangers despite being sought-after.
This is especially the case when the defender didn’t seem to kick up a fuss when Rangers rejected West Brom’s bid, according to Sky Sports, for him last summer.
So you feel that McNamara’s remarks, especially given his Celtic connection, will just be seen as him stirring the pot.