James Tavernier tipped to make Tottenham move after Rangers exit confirmed: ‘That’s where I expect him to go’
James Tavernier could join Tottenham next season if the north London club suffer relegation to the Championship.
That is the view of former Aberdeen and Everton chief Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, who can see Tavernier joining a club who can challenge in the Championship.
It comes as the 34-year-old will be a free agent in the summer after 11 years at Rangers, with the Glasgow club deciding against offering Tavernier a new contract.
Tavernier started his career at Newcastle, and had multiple loan spells in the EFL before moving to Rangers, where he was known for being an attacking full-back.
Both Rangers and Spurs will be rebuilding their squads this summer, with the Premier League side potentially dropping into the second tier for the first time since 1978.
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James Tavernier ‘can play a very good role’ at Tottenham
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – states that Wolves have also shown interest in signing Tavernier.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness says that he is “not surprised” to see Spurs exploring the possibility of signing Tavernier this summer.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “There’s talk about is it Spurs, or is it Wolves?
“They’re talking about having him come down because he is the type of player that, if Spurs are relegated, you would need and want in the Championship. This is exactly what I mean about putting together a squad to be in the Championship, and Tavernier can play a very good role for a season or two in a club that’s challenging in the Championship.
“That’s where I would place him, and he could still have a very good payday and a good contract. I’m surprised he hasn’t gone before because I rate him, and he’s a character and a good personality.
“That’s where I expect him to turn up. I was not surprised to see Spurs thinking about him, if they went down, because he’s exactly the type of player that could be there. So we’ll see where he goes.”
Tottenham could be beaten to Tavernier signing
Spurs and Wolves could be left disappointed as they will face plenty of competition for Tavernier’s signature from European and Saudi clubs.
Sources have told Football Insider that Tavernier could reject a move to England to relocate to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi clubs could have a stronger financial pull than either Spurs or Wolves, but current conflict in the Middle East could be a factor against making the move for Tavernier.
Sides in Greece and Turkey could also pursue the defender, who has four Rangers matches left to play before he leaves Ibrox.
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