Breaking News:James Tavernier Brutally’loses’ Rangers captaincy as Philippe Clement names new skipper

The 32-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a move to the Middle East as Steven Gerrard eyes a swoop

James Tavernier will reportedly be STRIPPED of the Rangers captaincy – casting huge doubt over his future at the club.

The 32-year-old right-back has worn the armband since being appointed club leader by Steven Gerrard in 2018. Yet despite his goalscoring heroics from right-back, the Ibrox Hall of Famer has been criticised for his modest trophy haul, having only skippered Rangers to a league title in 2021, a Scottish Cup in 2022 and a League Cup last year.

Tavernier is entering his testimonial year at Rangers but it’s believed former boss Gerrard is ready to launch a bid to take him to Saudi Pro-League side Al-Ettifaq. That would see the defender earn a huge pay packet as he enters the twilight years of his career, will Gers would also benefit from a sizeable transfer fee.

A deal has yet to be thrashed out, though, and the Daily Record claims that Philippe Clement has decided to name Jack Butland as the new captain ahead of the next season. It would be an incredibly bold move from the Belgian as he revamps the Gers squad. But it could also see Tavernier move on in the coming weeks, bringing the curtain down on his nine years in Glasgow.

While Tavernier’s future would appear to lie in the Middle East, Butland’s imminent appointment would end talk of a big-money return to England. The ex-Crystal Palace and Stoke City keeper was voted Rangers Player of the Year after an outstanding debut season between the sticks. Nottingham Forest had a £10million bid thrown out in January and it would appear the 31-year-old is at Ibrox for the long haul.

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