Report: Newcastle step up interest in Rangers defender James Tavernier

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Newcastle United have reportedly “stepped up” interest in Rangers defender James Tavernier.

According to the Scottish Sun, the Magpies are chasing the English right-back this January and have sent scouts recently to watch him in action.

It is understood that Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has previously been linked with the 28-year-old and he now wants to strengthen his defensive options this month.

The report details that there has been no bid yet, but a big-money offer could test the resolve of Scottish giants Rangers despite them not wanting to sell.

Tavernier is a key player at Ibrox that is Rangers captain and has supplied a remarkable 12 assists from full-back this season already across all competitions.

The Englishman previously came through the academy ranks at Newcastle as a youngster, but has really made a name for himself in the senior game at Rangers after joining them in 2015.

TBR’s View:

Tavernier would be a shrewd addition for Newcastle in January if they can strike a deal, but surely it would take a sizeable fee for Rangers to let go of a key player in a season when they are in a title race with Celtic.

The right-back has developed into a talisman for Steven Gerrard’s team and hasn’t looked out of place during the club’s Europa League campaign this season.

He’s an attack-minded full-back that would suits Newcastle’s wing-back system perfectly with his offensive game, but it would be a surprise if Bruce gets his target.