West Ham, Burnley, and Derby County plot swoops for ex-Rangers star | OneFootball

West Ham, Burnley, and Derby are considering moves for former Rangers right-back James Tavernier this summer

The summer transfer window is well underway, and as clubs across the EFL prepare their squads for the upcoming campaign, some have been busier than others.

Indeed, some clubs have been more active than others across the EFL, with neither Championship newbies West Ham United nor Burnley having made any new additions just yet.

Rumours have been flying about for West Ham, whilst things have been even quieter at Burnley, as both sides will have ambitions of an immediate return to the Premier League, whilst Derby County hope to upset the applecart.

The Rams have made the additions of Bobby Clark, Charlie Taylor, and Filip Bilbija thus far, with more expected, as each of these three clubs is set to go head-to-head for the services of former Rangers right-back James Tavernier.

According to TEAMtalk, Tavernier, 34, has an array of options in front of him following the expiry of his contract at Ibrox, including Burnley, Derby, and West Ham, with MLS side Charlotte reportedly leading the race, as FLW takes a look at how he may fit in at each club.

Burnley

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Burnley's relegation to the Championship for the third time in five years is far from ideal for the Clarets, but given this is a position they are fairly familiar with at this stage, they know how to operate their way through it.

Nicky Hayen has been appointed from Genk to replace Scott Parker at the helm at Turf Moor, with the Belgian boss yet to make any additions two weeks following his arrival in Lancashire.

Starting at right-back more often than not last season was former Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and England defender Kyle Walker, though the 36-year-old has made no secret of his intentions of returning to Sheffield United one day, and could well leave this summer.

Connor Roberts, Shurandy Sambo, and Oliver Sonne will each provide competition in that area of the pitch, though whether Hayen views any of them as a major part of his first-team plans, at this stage, remains to be seen.

Tavernier, like Walker, is no spring chicken himself, and would surely only join in the event of Walker's exit, with both likely viewing themselves as undeniable starters at Championship level despite their age.

With 144 goals and 148 assists in 565 appearances for Rangers across all competitions, Tavernier would add a wealth of experience to Burnley's back line, as well as unrivalled threat from dead balls, which could cause havoc in the second tier next season.

Derby County

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Derby narrowly missed out on a place in the play-offs last season, finishing in 8th following defeat at home to Sheffield United on the final day, which would have been enough for a place in the play-offs next season.

Unfortunately for head coach John Eustace, the new rules only come into effect next campaign, as he will be aiming for a similar finish next time around with the Rams.

The former Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers head coach has switched between a back three and back four during his time at the helm at Pride Park, and with Tavernier capable of playing as either a right-back or wing-back, he could fit in seamlessly with the Rams.

Whilst more than capable defensively, it's Tavernier's effect on the game going forward which has made him stand out over the years, with the 34-year-old having created 69 chances and 19 big chances from right-back just last season alone.

Whilst he isn't as mobile as he used to be, the Englishman can still get up and down the pitch, though he is likely best utilised where he doesn't have to do a huge amount of running.

With Max Johnston and Joe Ward as competition, there is no obvious spot for Tavernier in the current Derby squad unless a departure is sanctioned, and considering the Rams spent £3.5 million for Johnston just last summer, Ward seems the obvious casualty in the event of an arrival.

Tavernier would certainly elevate Derby's side, though an exit is a necessity to make this deal at all viable, and one that would make sense.

West Ham United

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West Ham will be playing Championship football for the first time since 2012 next season, and under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo, will have few intentions of sticking around in the second tier for too long.

With Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville's sale collecting the Hammers in excess of £150 million this summer alone, money won't be a huge issue for the capital side despite the loss of Premier League revenue.

More exits are expected between now and the end of the window, including DR Congo international Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who, despite being under contract until the summer of 2031, has been made available for around £25 million.

Should Wan-Bissaka leave, Kyle Walker-Peters is the only other alternative currently in the Hammers squad, and with the former Spurs man capable of playing on the left side, a move for Tavernier could indeed be a possibility.

Whilst not as athletic as someone like Adama Traore or Matt Doherty, who Nuno has previously found success with at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tavernier's ability to be a creative threat from wing-back could be a game-changer for the Portuguese head coach.