Ibrox View: Rangers surely can't sanction Tavernier sale amid latest transfer development

Rangers may be forced to keep James Tavernier on their books beyond January after a Nathan Patterson return to Ibrox was ruled out.

The Gers captain has fallen out of favour under Philippe Clement, with the overall feeling being his nine-year stint in Glasgow is nearing an abrupt end.

According to the Daily Mail [28 November], Everton are willing to sanction a loan move for the Rangers academy prospect for the second half of the campaign, but will not consider offers outside of England to provide Patterson much-needed game time in the Premier League.

Clement now finds himself in a catch-22 situation at Ibrox, with a wantaway player on wages that are too high to justify his place on the bench and the number one replacement that is now unattainable.

Rangers cannot sell James Tavernier without an adequate replacement

The upcoming January transfer window was supposed to spell the end of Tavernier’s tenure as Rangers captain, with a reunion with Steven Gerrard and Michael Beale mooted at Al-Ettifaq.

Dujon Sterling has become the undisputed choice at right-back in Glasgow and is the long-term successor to Tavernier – the 25-year-old is ready to take the next step at the Light Blues.

However, Neraysho Kasanwirjo is sent for a lengthy layoff and will undergo surgery on a foot injury sustained on international duty with the Netherlands Under-21s side, meaning Tavernier’s departure would leave only one senior option available.

Patterson would have undoubtedly been a match made in heaven; the 22-year-old knows the Glaswegian outfit inside and out, and Ibrox would be the perfect environment to rediscover his form, albeit temporarily.

With no other options currently under consideration by Nils Koppen, his hands are tied – one injury to Sterling could be disastrous should Tavernier be granted his long-awaited departure.

It is hardly the most desirable outcome, with both parties eager to end the partnership, but this is where the supporters will see the true Tavernier.

The 33-year-old will surely be done at Ibrox come the end of the season, but Clement could do with him providing cover if nothing else between now and then.

Due to a transfer decision more than 200 miles away on Merseyside, it looks like Tavs will be needed for a while longer yet.

In other Rangers news, here’s how the Gers rated in the win against Nice.

For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Ibrox View: Rangers surely can't sanction Tavernier sale amid latest transfer development appeared first on Ibrox News.