Rangers transfer news bulletin as Tavernier bid REJECTED and Trabzonspor told 'cheeky' offer unlikely to cut it

Trabzonspor have reportedly seen their opening bid for James Tavernier rejected.

The Rangers skipper has been the subject to firm interest from the Turkish side and the story has been rapidly developing over the last 24 hours. It first emerged on Wednesday evening that Trabzonspor, having already signed John Lundstram and Borna Barisic from Ibrox this window, had made their move to team Tavernier up with his old teammates.

It's since been reported in Turkey that the 32-year-old has agreed on an initial two-year deal, but the noise was that the first offer was short of Rangers' valuation to the tune of €1m (£850,000). Now Fabrizio Romano reports that bid has been rejected - with Trabzonspor needing to up the ante to get their man. However it seems likely they will come back to the table - with their president Ertugrul Dogan revealing 'five or six' signings are in the works.

That first offer being rejected will come as no surprise to Mavin Bartley who reckons Rangers will only sell if the offer meets their valuation for a player who continues to be key to Philippe Clement - even if his stock is falling with age. He reckons any 'cheeky' offers off the back of Clement's comments about needing to sell before he buys just won't cut it.

Bartley said on Clyde 1 SSB: “Unless it’s something above what Rangers value him at, I think it will be a firm ‘no’. There is a divided opinion on Tavernier, and I know there have been doubts defensively – but it would leave a massive hole in terms of goals and assists.

“Philippe Clement’s recent comments were that they need to sell before they buy, so now clubs will be circling around thinking they should put in a cheeky bid for a certain player with Rangers needing to bring money in.”