James Tavernier finds new Rangers exit champion with prime free agent successor 'offered' contract

Rangers resolve to keep James Tavernier will reportedly be tested by former boss Gio van Bronckhorst with Besiktas reportedly weighing up a bid.

Tavernier has been heavily linked with a move away all window with Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq and Trabzonspor, who signed both Borna Barisic and John Lundstram, firmly interested earlier in the summer - but the end of the UK window appeared to draw a line under the prospect of an exit for the long-serving Ibrox skipper. However last week Turkish clubs Istanbul Basaksehir, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray were credited with as well as Al-Arabi and Al-Garafa in Qatar.

The Qatari window closes today while Turkish clubs can make signings up until Friday September 13 - and reports suggest that Van Bronckhorst is pushing for his side to make a late move for his former Rangers' captain. According to Turkish newspaper Kuzey Ekspres, Besiktas have "stepped in" to the race for the 32-year-old with the clock ticking on the window.

It is noted that the club held interest in the right-back earlier this summer but were deterred after Tavernier "announced he would stay" at Rangers. However, the Istanbul club now feel there is "potential" for a late deal and feel they are in "prime" position.

In terms of a replacement, reports suggest that free agent Cyrus Christie could be on his way to Ibrox. The 31-year-old most recently played for Hull City and previously racked up the Premier League and EFL appearances for Fulham, Swansea and Nottingham Forest among others.

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