Rangers eye 31-year-old free agent transfer amid Tavernier exit links - report

Rangers have identified Cyrus Christie as a replacement for James Tavernier but face competition from EFL Championship clubs, according to HITC.

Graeme Bailey reported on 7 September that with clubs in both Turkey and Qatar keen on signing Tavernier before their respective transfer windows shut [HITC, 6 September], the Gers have looked to the free-agent market.

Christie departed Hull City in June following the expiry of his contract and, at 31, could prove to be a short-term fix at right-back for Philippe Clement’s side if Tavernier does depart in the coming days.

However, the Light Blues would reportedly have to fight off interest from Championship sides Coventry, Millwall, Preston and Plymouth Argyle for the Republic of Ireland international, as well as clubs in Greece and Turkey.

Cyrus Christie could be solution to Rangers’ James Tavernier woes

Even if the long-serving Light Blues captain doesn’t head for pastures new in the next few days, Clement should still be minded to bringing in much-needed cover at right-back – and Christie would fit the bill.

Tavernier has remained Clement’s go-to, and seemingly only, option at right-back so far in 2024/25, with the Belgian often choosing to play Dujon Sterling in midfield rather than on the flanks of the back four.

Deadline Day signing Neraysho Kasanwirjo can also operate at right-back, but at six-foot-one, Clement may be better suited by utilising the Feyenoord loanee in central defence instead.

That leaves a dearth of options to choose from regardless of whether Tavernier stays put or not, and at 32-years-old himself, the Gers captain cannot be expected to play every minute of every game anymore.

By no means a long-term solution, Christie would still give Clement the option of healthy rotation in a side which must challenge for trophies, and that should make pursuing the former Hull man a no-brainer.

In other Rangers news, one pundit has slammed Clement for his “worrying” comments in the wake of the Gers’ 3-0 loss to Celtic.

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