Newcastle United’s search for another full-back could lead the club to a rather experienced free-agent option in one of the most surprising and least-expected moves that might happen this summer.
As the Magpies look to strengthen their defensive depth before the new Premier League season and should try to bring someone with experience to cover for starters Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, Newcastle might have found the ultimate veteran and could land him on a free.
According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle has
joined Aston Villa in pursuing former Rangers captain James Tavernier after he departed Ibrox earlier this summer following 11 years in Glasgow… and after coming out of the Magpies academy all the way back in 2010.
“Charlotte FC have emerged as the frontrunners to sign former Rangers captain James Tavernier, with the Major League Soccer side stepping up their interest in the experienced full-back, TEAMtalk understands, but there is interest from Newcastle United, too,” the report says.
Tavernier is available on a free transfer after ending a decorated spell with Rangers, where he amassed 565 appearances, scoring 144 goals and providing 148 assists from the back while winning the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup.
At the end of the day, while this isn’t the most exciting target floated around, Tavernier would likely be a one-for-one replacement for Kieran Trippier. He would just provide some depth should Livramento’s health keep him out of the squad.
Whether Tavernier remains a realistic option may ultimately depend on his willingness to remain in Europe, with Charlotte FC still considered the frontrunner for his signature. Whether or not he’d be useful at this point in his career and with Newcastle skewing younger is an entirely different matter.
