Steven Gerrard accelerates Rangers transfer raid as Tavernier and Goldson 'set' Saudi deadline

Steven Gerrard has reportedly "stepped up" his plans to take Rangers duo James Tavernier and Connor Goldson to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

Record Sport exclusively revealed that the Rangers skipper and experienced defender Goldson are on the Al-Ettifaq shopping list this summer, as the Liverpool legend looks to raid his former club to revamp his backline for next season after finishing in sixth spot this term. The club spent big in Gerrard's first summer in the Middle East as the ex-Aston Villa boss brought Gini Wijnaldum, Demarai Gray, Jack Hendry and Moussa Dembele to the club - as well as Jordan Henderson before he quickly returned to Europe with a switch to Ajax.

And Al-Riyadiya claim that Ettifaq are ramping up their summer plans by "preparing" a move for Tavernier and Goldson that they hope will tempt the Light Blues to sell their captain and centre-back stalwart. Ettifaq are said to have "stepped up" with the duo being on Gerrard's shopping list this summer.

But should the cash-rich Saudi side meet the valuation of the Scottish Premiership team, Tavernier and Goldson may have to make a quick decision. HiHi note that Ettifaq's pre-season will kick-off with a training camp in Spain. The camp will kick-off in mid-July with pre-season friendly fixtures scheduled. It is claimed that Gerrard wants to have his summer business completed by the time they kick-off the club kick-off the pre-season fixture list.

Rangers boss Philippe Clement has previously insisted he expects the duo to be playing at Ibrox next season. But the Belgian boss is shaking up the squad with Jefte, Oscar Cortes and Mohamed Diomande all arriving this summer - with Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe, Borna Barisic, John Lundstram and Jon