For those who might have seen this story doing the rounds in the usual clickbait press, James Tavernier has been linked with West Ham. The story claims that James Tavernier and West Ham have entered into talks regarding a lucrative move. The ex Rangers skipper would join the Championship side.
Why the Tavernier story surfaced
There are two reasons why this story has surfaced. One is TEAMtalk, who routinely use content to put out absolutely fictional stories. Indeed, we cannot recall the last TEAMtalk exclusive or story we saw that was even remotely true.
Secondly, however, there is the much more obvious reason. Rangers just played West Ham. That created a very, very convenient story involving a Rangers man who is currently out of contract.
Complete clickbait nonsense
From what we can see, the story is completely made up nonsense from the usual kind of source. TEAMtalk, Football Insider and similar sites produce complete clickbait based on convenient incidents.
That is, a circumstance happens which perfectly suits a story that may fit. We will have more on another one in due course. However, we can say our sources know of no West Ham overtures towards him.
West Ham almost certainly have no interest in James Tavernier whatsoever.
Tavernier aims for the MLS
From what we understand, his aim is still the MLS. The MLS pays very well and would provide a completely different life for the former Rangers man. TeamTalk also claimed Newcastle want him too…
The MLS is his most likely outcome, with Charlotte FC a potential destination. That is, of course, the old stomping ground of former Rangers teammate Scott Arfield. We will see if that one bears fruit.
West Ham move would stun us
We would be absolutely stunned if James Tavernier secured a move to West Ham. That is completely beyond his ability level and would completely expose him.
Consequently, we will see where he ends up. We do not care one bit for him one way or the other. However, we will say that the story itself is entirely fictional.
He is almost certainly not going to West Ham.