
Rangers work on nine transfer exits as Tavernier message surfaces amid Bajrami push
Russell Martin is facing major scrutiny early in his tenure as Rangers boss - but the club look to still be clearing out the squad.
Falling three goals behind to Club Brugge in the Champions League playoff first leg at Ibrox proved to be the final straw for some fans - with an exodus from the stands after just 21 minutes.
But Danilo's goal gives the Light Blues a lifeline going into the second leg - and major changes are in motion behind the scenes.
Captain James Tavernier has found himself fighting for a starting spot since Martin's arrival with Bournemouth loanee Max Aarons given the nod at right-back in the crucial clash with Brugge.
Alan Rough reckons that the Light Blues' boss has sent a message to the skipper that he doesn't see him in the plans for the season - and that Tavernier should not be faulted if he leaves the club.
The former Scotland goalkeeper told PLZ: "I think he (Russell Martin) wants to move on. I think he wants to show the owners that there are young players out there.
"Tavernier has been absolutely amazing - the amount of assists, the amount of goals and penalties he has scored; if he was to move I don't think anyone could have any complaints. He has been fantastic.
"I just think the manager has a mindset now that he wants his own players in there, and that is what he is doing."
Defence is an area in focus with Brentford loanee Jayden Meghoma the only recognised left-back in the squad for the £40million shoot-out on Tuesday.
Jefte is inching closer to a move back to Brazil to join Palmeiras In a £6million deal while Ridvan Yilmaz appears to be closing in on a return to Besiktas.
Sabah report that Yilmaz has already agreed on personal terms with his former side with negotiations over a fee rumbling on.
Leon King and Clinton Nsiala are exploring their options after dropping out of the first-team picture - while the door could be opening for Ben Davies to return to Birmingham City.
The defender has failed to earn a chance under Martin but reports south of the border report that talks over a return to City have "collapsed". The Lanacashire Post state that Preston North End and Oxford United are battling for a deal.
An number of midfielders and wingers have come in the door on Edmiston Drive this summer - leaving Jose Cifuentes and Rabbi Matondo out of the picture.
Reports in Ecuador suggest Cifuentes has interested suitors in his homeland alongside Brazilian club Sport Club do Recife - while Turkish side Gaziantep FK are said to have left the door open for Welsh wide man Matondo.
Nedim Bajrami is also said to be looking for a route out of the club this summer.
The Albanian was dropped from the Champions League squad to make room for new recruit Meghoma despite his Premier Sports Cup goal against Alloa last weekend.
Gazeta Blic report that the playmaker now believes he is not part of Martin's plans and his "priority" is to find a club where he can re-establish himself this summer.
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Belfast Telegraph
an hour ago
- Belfast Telegraph
St Mirren are ‘massive underdogs' going into Rangers tie, claims Stephen Robinson
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