James Tavernier claim emerges as Rangers captain said to have agreed terms on Ibrox exit

James Tavernier has agreed terms on a deal to leave Rangers for Al-Ettifaq this summer, according to The Gallant Few Podcast.

The Gers outlet, which has previously carried interviews with the likes of former chairman Dave King, claimed on 19 June that their normally “reliable sources” had indicated the Ibrox captain had decided to head to the Saudi Pro League.

Steven Gerrard has long been reported to be interested in bringing Tavernier to the Middle East [Daily Record, 24 May], with the 32-year-old himself acknowledging the links last season.

Various pundits have speculated that the right-back’s time at the club could be coming to an end sooner or later, but this appears to be the first direct report that he has agreed to do so, with The Gallant Few responding to criticism of the claim to insist they are “confident it’s happening”.

Is Steven Gerrard set for Rangers reunion in Saudi Arabia?

If Tavernier has finally decided to move on after nine years in Glasgow it wouldn’t be the greatest shock in itself, but there may be some feeling that the report is premature if the same noises aren’t emerging elsewhere.

The Englishman’s contribution to the recent history at Ibrox is undeniable, as his 125 goals from right-back saw him become the highest-scoring British defender of all time last season [BBC Sport, 31 March].

He has come in for regular criticism for his defending and as the leader of a Rangers side that has often underperformed, but he has equally played a major part in the successes of recent years.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has taken over at Besiktas and also wanted to reunite with his former Gers captain this summer [Sozcu, 9 June], so two of his former managers wanting to buy him perhaps demonstrates his significance

If he is on the way to the Middle East this summer then Philippe Clement will hope that it generates a significant cash injection to go towards new signings.

The man to follow in his footsteps has apparently already been identified at Ibrox so there is a succession plan in place.

But even if he has agreed to personal terms with Gerrard’s side it doesn’t guarantee a deal at club level can be reached, although in the midst of a significant squad overhaul there is a reasonable argument that now is the time.

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