Rangers Bid For Tavernier Rejected

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Wigan have rejected a bid from Rangers for full-back James Tavernier, Clyde Sport understands.

Mark Warburton's Gers have already prised centre-back Rob Kiernan away from Latics this summer but their initial offer to take Tavernier north of the border too has been rebuffed.

The 23-year-old has two years left on his current deal but only made 13 appearances for Wigan in his maiden campaign, spending the latter part of last season on loan with Bristol City as they cruised to the Sky Bet League One title.

Tavernier enjoyed promotion from that level the year before too with Rotherham, who are also keen on bringing the defender back to South Yorkshire.

"James is a player who it is well documented that we like," assistant manager Paul Raynor recently said.

"Would we like him in the door? I think that's quite obvious. He was fantastic for us. But he's a Wigan player.

"I don't know what has been going on behind the scenes if anything, but he's certainly a player we'd like and love to have around.

"But he's a Wigan player and that's their prerogative. I know me and Steve (Evans, Rotherham manager) have spoke about how much we like him as a player and whether that has gone any further, I really don't know."

Tavernier was a second-half substitute in Wigan's 1-1 draw with Altrincham on Tuesday night and hit the post with a late penalty in his team's first pre-season friendly.