TAV'S TEST
James Tavernier dubs Steven Gerrard transfer link ‘old news’ – but captain reveals he’s held special talks with Rangers
The club captain has been at the club since 2015 - but he's been linked with an exit
JAMES TAVERNIER has shrugged off talk of a big-money move to Saudi Arabia — by revealing he’s in discussions over a testimonial at Rangers.
The Ibrox skipper has been rumoured to be set to join ex-boss Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq in a life-changing financial deal.
4
4
4
But Tavernier has insisted he’s aiming to see out his contract, which still has two years to run.
The record-breaking right-back said: “I’ve got two seasons left on my contract at Rangers and we’re in talks about a testimonial.
“My contract is at Rangers and I am fully focused on the years ahead. I’m excited about the years ahead and what they can bring. My full focus is here.
“It’s something you don’t really see in football these days. It’s a rarity that you get a testimonial for players, and it’s another landmark.
Read More Rangers stories
“Ten years at a club is a benchmark and it’s something I’d like to see.”
Tavernier has been linked with a money-spinning move to Saudi over recent months.
But speculation was fuelled last week by new reports from media outlets in the Gulf State claiming a deal for the 32-year-old could be thrashed out.
Tavernier shrugged off the rumours and vowed he’s planning on going nowhere.
Most read in Football
He added: “Speculation is always around football, I know you’re speaking about the Saudi thing.
“That has been talked about for the last year and a bit, so it’s not new news.”
Rangers fan gets huge James Tavernier tattoo and gives inside look at painstaking process
Asked if he could ever be tempted by a megabucks move to the Middle East, Tavernier said: “Football talks and it can sometimes be out of your own control. But I’m a Rangers player and my full focus is here.
“I’ve got two seasons left, my family are settled and we’re loving life.
“This is my ninth season and I’ve always tried to better myself.”
PFA Scotland Player of the Year nominee Tavernier added: “It means a lot coming from your fellow professionals who you play against week in, week out.”
4
He was joined on the shortlist by team-mate Jack Butland as well as rivals Lawrence Shankland and Matt O'Riley.
Winger Ross McCausland was included in the Young Player category.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page