Philippe Clement believes James Tavernier and Connor Goldson will still be Rangers players next season despite rumoured interest from Saudi Arabia.
It has been reported that former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is keen to bring two of his former players to Al-Ettifaq this summertime.
This season, the seasoned pair has been practically inconspicuous for the Light Blues, and their contract at Ibrox runs until 2026.
When things aren’t going as planned, Tavernier, 32, and Goldson, 31, are frequently the scapegoats, but Clement anticipates that both will remain in their current positions for the upcoming campaign unless they approach him directly and express their desire to go.
“Yes, that is my expectation—that they will be here next season,” Clement remarked. “If my players are out of contract, have questions, or want to leave, they come talk to me. That is the relationship we have.
We won’t practice too much if I have to talk to every player about any rumors.
John Lundstram is one key star that is out of contract in June, with the midfielders future still uncertain.
Although, Clement is keen for him to extend his time in Govan.
The Belgian boss admitted: “There have been offers from the club, there is no agreement yet. That is the only thing I can say at the moment.
“I hope that (he stays). I know he loves the club and to be here but it depends on what you can offer as a club and what other clubs are offering.
“That is why I don’t like that important players get to the end of their contracts.
“I don’t think it is a good thing for a club. It is something that will never happen again while I am here.”
At the end of the season, Leon Balogun, Borna Barisic, Kemar Roofe, and Ryan Jack are all anticipated to leave the Rangers.
Clement did, however, imply that if they perform well in the upcoming games, it may still be possible for them to secure a new contract.
“It’s foolish not to offer a contract if someone we could not rely on enough during the season plays the next six games and he is the best player on the field,” he said.
Thus, anything is still conceivable. They hold it.
