Rangers face big transfer hurdle - Millwall, Sheffield United, and Southampton should pounce | OneFootball

James Tavernier could leave Rangers this summer, as FLW takes a look at three EFL clubs that should target the defender

James Tavernier is a modern-day Rangers icon, though the right-back could be finally set to call time on his stay in Glasgow this summer, with a return to the EFL a real possibility.

Former Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United, and Bristol City defender James Tavernier is in his 11th season in Scotland, having maintained his spot at right-back over the course of his time with Rangers.

With over 550 appearances across all competitions for the Glasgow-based outfit, Tavernier's time at Ibrox has been nothing short of remarkable, having netted 144 times and added a further 148 assists in that period, statistics any striker would be proud of, let alone a defender.

Now 34, Tavernier is entering the latter stages of his career, and with his deal with Rangers due to expire this summer, an exit is looking like an increased possibility.

Contract talks have recently stalled between Tavernier and the club, leading to speculation that a move could well happen, as FLW takes a look at three Championship sides that should try and lure him back to England this summer.

Millwall

Millwall stand a real chance of finally playing Premier League football next season, with Alex Neil's side pushing for automatic promotion alongside Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town as we enter the latter stages of the campaign.

The Lions have recruited exceptionally well over the past few years, with notable signings like Zian Flemming, Femi Azeez, and Tristan Crama proving to be worth their weight in gold.

The latter two, Azeez and Crama, have been integral to their promotion push this season, and both will be hoping to play top-flight football next campaign at The Den.

Crama has excelled since joining from Brentford in January 2025, capable of performing admirably at either right-back or centre-back, though he is better suited to being the heart of defence alongside Jake Cooper.

Other right-back options, Danny McNamara and Ryan Leonard, likely won't make the step-up to the top flight, and even if Millwall are once again in the Championship next year, an upgrade wouldn't go amiss.

Tavernier would be an upgrade and then some, as even despite his age, his fitness and obvious quality haven't yet faded, and he could still do a job in the upper echelons of the English game.

Scottish boss Alex Neil will be more than aware of Tavernier's ability, and having already signed one long-serving Scottish veteran in Barry Bannan from Sheffield Wednesday in January, Neil should look to secure the Englishman's signature from the Scottish giants this summer as a priority target.

Sheffield United

Sheffield United will enter the summer window with a relatively large rebuilding job on their hands.

The likes of Tom Davies, Ben Mee, Adam Davies, Danny Ings, and Jairo Riedewald all see their contracts at Bramall Lane expire, albeit the latter two have an option to extend their deals for an extra year, whilst as many as six loan players will return to their parent clubs, including Kalvin Phillips and Tyler Bindon.

Numerous other squad members will likely depart over the summer, leaving Wilder with a huge job on his hands. Right-back Femi Seriki has been linked with a move to Everton as recently as January, and should the Toffees return in the summer, it would leave them short in this area.

Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee, Ki-Jana Hoever, is the only other option in that area, as Jamie Shackleton's time at Bramall Lane is also likely to come to an end; a new right-back must be high on the agenda.

Whilst Tavernier is not exactly a youthful option, being 12 years Seriki's senior, his wealth of experience is something that Wilder would likely value extremely highly.

Born down the road in Bradford, a return to Yorkshire at this stage in his career could be appealing to Tavernier, as, although he spent six games on loan with Sheffield Wednesday some 14 years ago, that surely wouldn't deter him from becoming a Blade.

Southampton have undergone an almighty turnaround since the dismissal of Will Still and appointment of Tonda Eckert, with the Saints in serious contention for an immediate return to the Premier League.

At one point, their hopes of promotion looked dead and buried, but since Eckert got his hands on the Saints' side, things have only looked up.

With top-flight football a real possibility, preparations for the next campaign will have hit the buffers a little bit at St Mary's, with uncertainty revolving around the calibre of player they will be able to attract.

In any instance, Rangers' Tavernier could be an excellent option for Southampton. James Bree was recalled from Charlton Athletic in January and has become a mainstay at right-back, whilst on-loan Danish full-back Elias Jelert has been left out in the cold as a result.

A new body at right-back will be required heading into next season, and Tavernier should jump at the opportunity to join his brother, Marcus, on the English South Coast, playing just down the road at Bournemouth.

Saints' ranks, and being one year older than Eckert, can maybe even teach the German a thing or two.