James Tavernier sees Rangers exit tied up in red tape as Besiktas FAIL to push through controversial rule change

Rangers captain James Tavernier has watched two exit routes all-but close by a late transfer window ruling by the Turkish Football Federation

Super Lig sides have until Friday, September 13 to get any deals over the line with former Ibrox boss Gio van Bronckhorst reportedly keen on taking the right-back to Besiktas while Trabzonspor saw an offer kicked out by Rangers earlier this summer. However, their chances of signing the Englishman before the window slams shut have been dealt a hammer blow after the TFF opted to stick with the current rules on foreign player lists for their clubs.

Trabzonspor President Ertugrul Dogan claimed that both Besiktas and Galatasaray had joined the club in pushing for the number of foreign players to be allowed in each squad to be increased to 14. However, the governing body has released a statement confirming they will "continue the practice of including 12 players who are not eligible for the Turkish national team in their squad list."

As it stands, Van Bronckhorst's side have maxed out their positions. That is even after removing England cap Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Daniel Amartey from their list of players that are available for the league.

Trabzonspor are in the same position. Braga loanee Simon Banza is currently not on the list for league matches after signing in the summer - meaning the club already face some big calls. And unless Besiktas can offload some fringe stars or make changes to their squad list it could leave any move away from the Scottish Premiership for Tavernier scuppered.

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