There are now very, very serious and persistent rumours that former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is finally set to make Rangers an ‘offer we can’t refuse’ for captain James Tavernier after he did drop a very strong hint about what he’s looking for in the transfer window.

Tavernier has been subject to speculation ever since the Saudi league evolved into the behemoth it is today, with so many players electing to take the cash and ply their trade in the oil-rich gulf state, and while there’s been a reported change of policy in that country to throw less money at big name players in recent times, Tavernier is still said to very much be on Gerrard’s radar.

There is a major feeling that his Rangers race is finally run, and while his numbers were impressive yet again, the defensive side of his game really did suffer in the second half of the season and a major part of Rangers’ frailties.

If Rangers do receive the offer from Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq (with Connor Goldson also said to be interesting the former Ibrox boss) it’s near-certain it would be accepted now.

Tav is getting on, he’s 32 and the potential to make some money from him will not be lost on Rangers’ board, while Philippe Clement has been very clear on this summer being the end of a cycle, which may drop a hint at Tavernier’s dispensability.

He is not irreplaceable, and if Rangers want to move forward with a Rangers level team, guys like him have to be moved on especially if a rich Saudi club is making a move for him.

We will see if this bid happens, but it’s closer to doing so than ever before.

Is Tavernier finally heading out of Ibrox?

We watch and wait.