Keith Jackson reveals double Ibrox transfer ‘blow’

Keith Jackson is leading with far fetched claims that Steven Gerrard is lining up a double raid to take James Tavernier and Connor Goldson to Saudi side Al Ettifaq.

Similar tales were run during Gerrard’s time at Aston Villa but over two transfer windows, as usual, there wasn’t the slightest hint of interest in the Ibrox duo.

With no sign of fresh contract offers to Kemar Roofe, John Lundstram and Borna Barisic the loss of two senior defenders in the summer would suggest a severe cost cutting exercise is going on.

Late on Wednesday the Record reported:

Steven Gerrard has launched a move to team up with Rangers skipper James Tavernier in next season’s Saudi Pro League.

And the former Ibrox boss is also believed to be closely monitoring the situation of Connor Goldson as he mulls over a potential double swoop on his old club this summer. 

Record Sport revealed speculation linking Tavernier with his former boss – which stretches back almost 12 months to Gerrard’s shock appointment at Al-Ettifaq – has been building again in recent weeks.

On Wednesday multiple outlets across the Persian Gulf state began reporting that a deal for the 32-year-old could be thrashed out after Scotland’s domestic campaign reaches a thrilling climax when the Old Firm go head-to-head at Hampden in the Scottish Cup Final on May 25.

While Goldson’s name was not mentioned in those initial reports, it’s understood Gerrard is keen on being reunited with the man he lured north from Brighton six years ago to form a title winning partnership with Tavernier on the right hand side of his Rangers back four.

It is a bit of a stretch to claim that ‘multiple outlets across the Persian Gulf state’ are getting excited over a penalty kick specialist routinely described as a serial loser by his own supporters.

Alongside their three winners medals Tavpen has watched Celtic win five trebles with Goldson only three.

During Gerrard’s first transfer window he signed Jack Hendry and Moussa Dembele, there is no suggestion of any likely transfer fees for the 30-something Ibrox defenders.