GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
James Tavernier looks closer to the Ibrox exit in the big Rangers transfer news of the day, while a further update has arrived regarding Connor Barron.
While no further arrivals or departures were confirmed on Wednesday (19 June), the wheels are clearly in motion behind the scenes.
Ibrox News has rounded up all the latest transfer gossip, including the latest on the captain’s now-likely departure.
James Tavernier said to have agreed terms on Ibrox exit
James Tavernier has agreed terms on a deal to leave Rangers for Al-Ettifaq this summer, according to The Gallant Few Podcast.
The Gers outlet, which has previously carried interviews with the likes of former chairman Dave King, claimed on 19 June that their normally “reliable sources” had indicated the Ibrox captain had decided to head to the Saudi Pro League.
Steven Gerrard has long been reported to be interested in bringing Tavernier to the Middle East [Daily Record, 24 May], with the 32-year-old himself acknowledging the links last season.
Various pundits have speculated that the right-back’s time at the club could be coming to an end sooner or later, but this appears to be the first direct report that he has agreed to do so, with The Gallant Few responding to criticism of the claim to insist they are “confident it’s happening”.
Rangers inform Aberdeen over Connor Barron deal
Rangers have now told Aberdeen that they are planning to sign Connor Barron this summer after agreeing terms, according to the Daily Record.
The outlet has reported (19 June) that the 21-year-old is set for a medical before “registering him on a freedom of contract”.
There isn’t yet an agreement in place between the two clubs and the Gers may “take their chances” at a tribunal over a compensation fee.
The Dons could be entitled to around £500,000 if he had left Scotland and a tribunal will award them a fee in that region.
Four Lads share ‘ridiculous’ verdict as Jack Butland exit mooted
Rangers would only contemplate allowed Jack Butland to depart this summer if a “ridiculous” offer nearing £15million were tabled, according to Stevie Clifford of the Four Lads Had a Dream podcast.
Speaking on the Rangers Review with Chris Jack (19 June), Clifford discussed the impending arrival of Motherwell stopper Liam Kelly on a free transfer to Ibrox [Sky Sports] and made clear that he’d be second-choice to Butland .
Butland’s form last season had seen reports arise that he could be on the way out of Glasgow this summer but Clifford is confident he’ll still be at the club in the coming campaign.
Clifford said: “I don’t see Jack Butland leaving this summer, I’m pretty confident that he’ll stay.
“That’s caveated if somebody slaps £15million on the table. It’ll need to be north of £10million for Rangers to be seriously considering it.”
Rangers close in on Liam Kelly agreement
Liam Kelly’s move to Rangers now only has “small details to be ironed out” before it can be completed, Four Lads Had a Dream reports.
The Gers outlet reported via Twitter on 18 June that the Motherwell keeper is now “close to completion” as he closes in on a return to Ibrox.
He is set to take Robby McCrorie’s place in Philippe Clement’s squad with last season’s second choice expected to leave the club this summer.
The Gers have so far signed Jefte, Oscar Cortes and Clinton Nsiala since the campaign ended, with former Aberdeen midfielder Connor Barron also closing in on a deal [Sky Sports, 18 June].
