According to Sky Sports, Brighton have identified former NUFC full-back James Tavernier as a transfer target ahead of the January window.
The 26-year old made just 10 appearances during his spell on Tyneside, eventually leaving for Wigan in the summer of 2014 after a series of loan moves away to lower league sides.
He joined Rangers a year later and his career has gone from strength to strength since then.
Not only is he their current captain under Steven Gerrard, he’s managed an incredible 32 goals and 47 assists across the last four seasons in Scotland.
West Brom had a bid rejected for the right-back over the summer, but Sky are now reporting that Brighton could make a move in January – despite Gerrard claiming it would take ‘an awful lot of money’ to sign him:
“Rangers right-back James Tavernier remains a potential target for Brighton ahead of the January transfer window, Sky Sports News understands.
“With the 37-year-old Bruno out of contract next summer, the Seagulls could be in the market for another right-back in the New Year and Tavernier is understood to have been a name they looked at in the previous transfer window.
“Sky Sports News also reported in the summer that West Brom saw a succession of bids rejected for Tavernier.
“Over the weekend, Gers boss Steven Gerrard urged Brighton chief executive Paul Barber to call him if he wanted to talk about a deal for Tavernier, but said it would take “an awful lot of money” to sign the 26-year-old.”
A late bloomer, or a player who’s found his level in Scotland? – Brighton could be about to find out if they’re willing to pay Rangers enough money in January.
Here’s him in action:
