'Sour' - Pundit expects James Tavernier to stay until Rangers deal expires

James Tavernier won’t be leaving Rangers in January and will likely now see out the rest of his contract, says Derek Ferguson.

The Light Blues captain was widely expected to leave during the summer transfer window, with the club reported to be in talks with Trabzonspor [Sky Sports, 24 July].

There were further strong links with Turkish sides in the fallout from the 3-0 Old Firm derby loss at Celtic on 1 September, as Galatasaray, Besiktas and Fenerbahce were all said to be interested [HITC, 3 September].

But no move happened and the 32-year-old has started every game for Philippe Clement so far this season, despite his form being a long way short of his best.

Tavernier was subject to abuse outside Ibrox following the Old Firm derby loss and Ferguson fears the defender’s legacy with the club could be tarnished as the situation runs “sour”.

But after so long being linked with a move away, including long-held speculation around a reunion with Steven Gerrard in the Saudi Pro League, Ferguson expects him to complete his 10th campaign and receive his testimonial

He doesn’t expect a January exit to be on the cards despite Tavernier’s struggles, and thinks he will see out his contract which currently expires in 2026 [Sky Sports, 26 April].

Rangers captain has started every game for Philippe Clement

Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News he said of an exit at the next opportunity: “I don’t think so. Again, every window it’s come up over the last year and a half or so, there’s been talk about Tav leaving.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen. It’s just a kind of feeling that I get. I think he’ll see the rest of his contract out.

“He’ll get his testimonial, and listen, the only thing that kind of worries me is just that Tavernier has been brilliant for us at times, the moments that he’s given us.

“And it’s just kind of turning a little bit sour at the moment, so he’s got to be managed better in terms of his appearances on the park.

“But come January no, I think he’s here for the foreseeable future. I think he’ll see his contract out, he’ll be here outwith January. I don’t think he’ll move.”

In other Rangers news, Lawrence Shankland looks like he could now be on the way to Ibrox.

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