James Tavernier sees Rangers transfer exit 'hijacked' by Besiktas as rival Trabzonspor offer approved

Gio van Bronckhorst has reportedly told Besiktas to make a move to snap up Rangers captain James Tavernier before Trabzonspor.

Trabzonspor are preparing to return with a second bid for the skipper after seeing their opening offer booted into touch - but it now appears that interest in the right-back is escalating in Turkey. Boss Philippe Clement has already conceded that players will need to move on before he can sign more - and Tavernier looks set to lead the exodus to fund the overhaul by the Belgian boss with former Ibrox boss van Bronckhorst keen on a reunion at Vodafone Park.

Takvim claim that Beskitas are planning to "part ways" with right-back Jonas Svensson this summer with the Englishman viewed as the first-choice replacement. Former Rangers boss van Bronckhorst has reportedly "presented a positive report to management" on Tavernier and "made it clear he wants him" before Trabzonspor seal any deal.

It is noted that Besiktas have "approved" the plan and are preparing an offer. Tavernier missed the Light Blues pre-season defeat to Manchester United but Ibrox assistant Alex Rae declared there was "nothing to report" on an imminent exit.

However, he did talk up Dujon Sterling as a potential successor after the full-time whistle at Murrayfield stating: "Dujon brings plenty of qualities. He came up against a quality Jadon Sancho today and he coped very well, defensively and offensively. We want to get Dujon in the right place physically going into this season and by getting those minutes today against quality players, he will get that.”