NEWCASTLE have stepped up their interest in signing Rangers skipper James Tavernier.
Toon boss Steve Bruce is keen to bolster his squad during this month’s transfer window.
Tavernier is wanted by Newcastle – but has stressed previously he’s committed to RangersCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
And SunSport can reveal he sent his top scouts to watch the right-back in Sunday’s Old Firm crunch.
As yet, no bid has been received for Tav.
Bruce was linked with the 28-year-old in the summer.
But his recent return to form has prompted him to take another look at Tavernier, who is under contract at Ibrox until of 2022.
Rangers gaffer Steven Gerrard would have no interest in selling as Gers seek to end Celtic’s domestic dominance.
But he knows a big-money bid from the Toon — whose squad is crippled with injuries at the moment — could test the Ibrox board’s resolve to hang on to the former Wigan man.
Rangers’ 2-1 victory at Parkhead at the end of last month closed the gap on Celtic at the top to just two points.
But the Light Blues have a game in hand which, were they to win it, would hand them an advantage as they aim to secure a first Premiership title since 2011.
TAV WAS TOON TOT
Tavernier came through the youth ranks at St James’ Park and made nine first-team appearances at Newcastle.
But he spent the majority of his spell on Tyneside out on loan, firstly with neighbours Gateshead, then Carlisle, Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Shrewsbury and Rotherham United.
He completed a permanent switch to Wigan in 2014 before joining Gers in 2015 under Mark Warburton and remained a regular under Pedro Caixinha and Graeme Murty.
It was Gerrard who handed him the captain’s armband when he was named gaffer in 2018.
Tavernier was linked with a move back to Newcastle in the summer and admitted at the time he was flattered.
He said: “It’s a compliment and that is how I see it, but all my emphasis is on Rangers.
“Things can happen in football, but I’m looking forward to this season. It’s all speculation.
“If it stays like that then I don’t get upset about it. I’m fully focused on the job here.”
Tavernier has 12 assists and three goals in 35 games this season and has racked up a total of 232 appearances for Gers.
Steve Bruce sent his top scouts to watch Rangers star Tavernier against CelticCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
