Rangers fans are this morning waking up to the news that Steven Gerrard has submitted an £8M reported joint bid for James Tavernier and Connor Goldson, after a lot of oohs and aahs on the hype of this topic.

As things stand, Rangers are going through a major summer of change, with 6 departures (including CEO James Bisgrove) and one new signing as well as the effective £4.5M signing of Oscar Cortes alongside contract extension of Leon Balogun.

And the ‘end of the cycle’ was very much being posited by manager Philippe Clement, with eyes significantly on Tavernier and Goldson as two who epitomised the old guard.

With Ryan Jack released alongside John Lundstram, Rangers have shed two of the longest-lasting stormtroopers at the club, but with no profit secured for either of them, and the bid from Al-Ettifaq for two players in their 30s is being very very much looked at by the club and the board.

Several reputable sources have verified this story, which originated in Saudi Arabian press from their credible Al-Riyadiya publication, so the question is now on for the players whether they’re interested in a very well paid gig in the Middle East with the huge riches on offer there at their ages.

Money talks, and Rangers aren’t going to get a better offer for the pair from anyone else, so our understanding is the board are very serious about this interest.

Steven Gerrard, ex-Ibrox boss of course, has been a huge admirer of these two for a very long time, and has been extremely vocal about needing experience, while offering cryptic hints about the pair as well, and his transfer intentions.

Ultimately, the bid appears to have been received and Rangers now decide if it’s acceptable.

If so, it’s down to the players – and they decide whether linking back up with Fashion Sakala is for them.

Time will tell.