Confirmed: Clement reveals Tavernier transfer offers update at Rangers

Philippe Clement has revealed that Rangers have not received any transfer offers for James Tavernier despite speculation.

The Belgian spoke to the media on 13 September to throw his support behind the embattled captain amid reports that a late exit was being considered after the loss at Celtic.

HITC reported on 6 September that clubs in Turkey and a pair in Qatar were eyeing a late move after being alerted to the 32-year-old’s potential availability once he was targeted for abuse in the wake of the Old Firm derby defeat.

HITC then reported on 12 September Tavernier’s decision to stay at Ibrox despite the “major pay rise” on offer in Turkey.

In that context Clement said, via Joshua Barrie on X: “If you’re captain you are a symbol of the team. I was at Brugge for 10 years and captain like Tav. I had these moments and it’s part of being captain. He is very motivated. We can understand the disappointment after an [Old Firm defeat].

“There were no offers. I have read so many times… there has never been an offer.”

Rangers star linked to Giovanni van Bronckhorst after Celtic loss

Clement is communicating a united front and is reportedly happy to continue with Tavernier in the squad after his decision not to leave, according to HITC on 12 September.

But the club were said to be open to letting him leave, and in the circumstances all may now feel the widely-anticipated summer departure would have been the best option.

The manager now has a major decision on his hands as to whether to stick with his captain in the starting XI or take him out of the firing line for a while amid very poor form.

Either decision is now in the spotlight after the transfer question arose in a big way ahead of overseas transfer deadlines, but clearly something has to change.

In an ideal world that would mean Tavernier’s performances improve, but he hasn’t looked fit since the start of the campaign so whether that is within his power currently is in doubt.

The record-breaking goal scorer from defence is in his 10th year with the club and should be able be celebrated on the way out, but the pressure has mounted hugely on him.

And with Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Besiktas backed to be closely monitoring him ahead of another run in the January window [Haber Turk, 10 September] it would be no shock if a winter sale was sanctioned.

In other Rangers news, John Bennett is now under “huge pressure” to deliver after another deal collapsed, taking criticism hard.

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