James Tavernier to Saudi transfer shocks his Rangers backer from afar as fight for 'astonishing' star guaranteed

The mooted transfer that would see James Tavernier depart Rangers for Saudi Arabia has left a legendary Premier League star miffed.

Andy Townsend – filing in for Ally McCoist on his national radio gig – was caught on the hop when David Tanner raised the prospect of the Ibrox skipper swapping Glasgow for a money-spinning stint in the Middle East. Record Sport revealed in March that both Tavernier and Connor Goldson were on Steven Gerrard's wanted list at Al-Ettifaq. And the buzz hasn't quelled in recent weeks with Philippe Clement insisting a new dawn is arriving at Rangers next season.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Townsend said: "James Tavernier, what an incredible season he has had, again, in terms of numbers, astonishing. I tell you what, I would have thought there would have been others who were interested in taking him. If there is interest from Saudi I can understand – from his personal point of view – he would maybe like a shot."

Tavernier – asked directly about leaving Rangers after nine goal-laden seasons – insists he only has Ibrox on his mind. He said: “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. Just to prove to myself. Just to better myself each year and be the best version of myself. That would be my first and foremost commitment to everything. As a whole, as a club, we want to win more trophies and that’s our aim. Next season is