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da dobrowin： Southampton are keen on an £8m move for Rangers defender James Tavernier, as reported by The Express.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Saints have just seen right-back Cedric Soares depart for Inter Milan on loan, with an option to buy the Portuguese international for a fee of around £9.5m (as per the BBC). As a result, the South Coast side should probably sign a replacement, hence their interest in Tavernier.
The Gers captain has had an outstanding season so far under Steven Gerrard, making 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and recording 14 assists from a right-back position (as per Transfermarkt) – quite impressive, it must be said.
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It is understood that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints have asked about Tavernier’s availability, although it would take a bid in the region of £8m for the Scottish giants to discuss a move away from Ibrox for the defender, who was the subject of interest from Brighton and West Brom in the summer.
Would he be a good signing?
Of course. The former Newcastle defender has come on leaps and bounds in the Scottish Premiership since moving there from Wigan in 2015, and his excellent technical ability should allow fans to forget all about the departed Soares.
19-year-old Jan Valery has been playing regularly at right-back under Hasenhuttl, and whilst he has looked decent in parts, he was recently sent off against Leicester for two silly yellow cards – which suggests that he still has a lot to learn at Premier League level.
Tavernier’s Premier League experience is limited as well, but at 27 he’s a much more proven defender who won’t make needless mistakes – and he’ll add to Southampton’s prowess at the other end.