Micah Richards reveals Rangers gut feeling about James Tavernier and the enormity of Ibrox

Micah Richards reckons James Tavernier would knock back any transfer interest in the summer to stick with Rangers.

The Ibrox captain netted the 131st goal of his career in his side's 3-1 Scottish Premiership victory over Hibs at Ibrox - which took him past former Scotland international Graham Alexander in the goal rankings and putting Tavernier top of the scoring chart for a defender in British football. The skipper will have his sights set on claiming a Treble with Rangers this season having already lifted the League Cup - but his historic achievement has sparked some speculation over his future.

Reports in the Middle East had suggested that Saudi Pro League clubs are considering making a move to sign the 31-year-old in the summer. Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq have been touted as a potential destination - but former Man City star Richards has backed Tavernier to snub a big-money offer.

Speaking to BBC's Monday Night Club about a potential Tavernier transfer amid rumours over a switch to the Middle East, Richards said: “It’s where you’re happy, isn’t it?

"Obviously, he’s played in England, he’s had a few loans and he was at Newcastle. I do believe he probably wasn’t getting the love when he went to these clubs.

“It’s just about a feeling, isn’t it? Rangers and Celtic are massive clubs and if you know you can be the best player every single week while captaining a massive club, or you could go to the Premier League, not settle, and maybe drop down to the Championship, I would rather be at Rangers.

He knows exactly what he’s going to get. He’s a Rangers legend. That’s what we’re talking about. When you look back, you can say ‘I’m a Rangers legend’ and that must mean something.”