Report: Brighton to make run at Tavernier in January

Reports are surfacing that English Premier League side Brighton Hove Albion FC  are set to make bids on Rangers captain James Tavernier

James Tavernier is in his 4th season with Rangers, having arrived in 2015 from Wigan. He has thrived from the moment he arrived at Ibrox but has been especially brilliant this season. The wing-back’s combination of high-play and tenure with the club earned him the captains arm-band from manager Steven Gerrard.

The Seagulls of Brighton-Hove Albion are likely to have need of a new right back with the 37-year-old Bruno’s contract being up, and as with all Premier-League sides, they will have the cash to spend. Tavernier has a claim to being one of the highest caliber wing-backs in the world so it should come as no surprise that Brighton, or any other club, would take interest in his services.

There were reports this past Summer that West Brom made a series of bids for Tavernier but were shot down each time and Tavernier clearly is one of the few players who Gerrard saw as not just a keeper but a player to build around.

Gerrard not only gave Tavernier the captains arm-band but also signed the 27-year-old to a contract extension to keep him with the club through 2022. 

Steven Gerrard has been honest about the situation, much as he did when rumors were swirling about Alfredo Morelos, that Tavernier could be had but only for a large amount.

What Tavernier would think of a move is mostly unknown at this point. Given the time he’s spent with the club, his current position of captain, and signing a contract extension, it is reasonable to suggest that he is happy with Rangers. However, as a native Englishman himself, there certainly must be some pull to return south and play in the Premier League.