James Tavernier 'contact' escalated by Rangers ally Gio van Bronckhorst as Besiktas transfer rumour explodes

Besiktas boss Gio van Bronckhorst has reportedly held talks with Rangers captain James Tavernier's agent with speculation over a move to Turkey ramping up.

A host of clubs have been tipped with a move for the Ibrox star in recent days with Turkish clubs Istanbul Basaksehir, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray were credited with as well as Al-Arabi and Al-Garafa in Qatar - with the Qatari transfer window closing today while business can still be conducted by Super Lig sides until Friday, September 13. However, reports in Turkey suggest that former Rangers boss Van Bronckhorst has made Tavernier his top target with deadline day fast approaching.

The club had been credited with an interest in the right-back earlier this summer and Fotomac now report that the club are escalating their pursuit of the Englishman. It is claimed that the Dutchman has "made contact" with Light Blues' hero Tavernier over the prospect of a switch to Istanbul.

It is also noted that the boss has issued a "positive report" on the star to Besiktas chiefs. It is stated that the player's agent and club management have discussed "information about his cost" of a deal.

Earlier this summer, Tavernier looked to put an end to speculation over his future with Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq showing an interest. He said in May: “It’s speculation that’s been around my name for quite a while now, so it’s nothing new.

“I have two seasons left and I am fully focused with the job in hand. That’s performing for Rangers. There is always going to be speculation in football, regardless of which player it is.

“It’s down to the individual to knuckle down and fully focus on the job in hand. I think I’ll always have unfinished business until I hang up my boots."