Rangers’ position on James Tavernier’s potential return is revealed as the star player shows interest in rejoining Ibrox.

Rangers have reportedly made their position clear on the possibility of James Tavernier returning to Ibrox, with the club currently having no plans to bring their former captain back to Glasgow.

There has been growing speculation over the past few days that the experienced right-back could potentially make an emotional return to Rangers. However, sources have indicated that the club hierarchy are not considering the 34-year-old as an option at this stage of the summer transfer window.

Tavernier, meanwhile, is also looking to secure the next chapter of his career after spending the entire summer without a club.

No Rangers return planned for Tavernier

Tavernier remains a highly respected figure around Ibrox following an 11-year spell with the club.

The defender enjoyed an extraordinary period in Glasgow, becoming one of Rangers’ most recognisable players and eventually taking on the captaincy. His contribution over more than a decade means he continues to be held in high regard by supporters and people inside the club.

Despite that strong relationship, however, Rangers have no intention of reopening the door for a return this summer.

The club are understood to be focused on finding a younger solution at right-back rather than bringing back their former skipper.

Tavernier has been a free agent throughout the summer and is now eager to find a new club. There is interest from teams in Turkey, and the former Rangers captain is reportedly hoping to finalise his future sooner rather than later.

Right-back remains a priority

Although Rangers are not considering Tavernier, the need to strengthen the right-back position remains one of the club’s priorities.

Finding a new player in that position has been an objective for much of the transfer window, but the club have yet to complete a deal.

With the transfer deadline approaching, Rangers could now be forced to work quickly if they want to provide manager Derek McInnes with another option on the right side of his defence.

Several players have reportedly been considered, but Aston Villa youngster Kosta Nedeljkovic has emerged as the latest name attracting attention from the Scottish giants.

Rangers target Kosta Nedeljkovic

Rangers are reportedly exploring a deal for Nedeljkovic, with the club considering different ways of bringing the Croatian defender to Ibrox.

A permanent transfer could be an option, while Rangers could also explore a loan agreement that includes an option to buy at the end of the temporary spell.

Nedeljkovic is only 20 years old and has spent the previous two seasons developing away from Aston Villa.

The defender spent those campaigns on loan at RB Leipzig, although his opportunities in Germany were limited. Across his two seasons with the Bundesliga side, he made only 15 league appearances.

His lack of regular first-team football means he could now be open to a move where he has a clearer route to consistent playing time.

Nedeljkovic has returned to Villa following the conclusion of his latest loan spell, but his prospects under Unai Emery appear limited.

He has been restricted to only occasional minutes during pre-season and remains well down the pecking order at Villa Park.

Champions League situation could help Rangers

Aston Villa’s return to the Champions League could also play an important role in determining Nedeljkovic’s future.

With competition for places increasing at Villa Park, Rangers may see an opportunity to convince the youngster that a move to Scotland would provide him with the regular football he needs.

For Rangers, Nedeljkovic would represent a very different type of signing from Tavernier.

Rather than bringing back an experienced former captain, the club would be investing in a young defender who could potentially develop and become an important player over several seasons.

McInnes has made no secret of his desire for Rangers to add more players during the final stages of the transfer window, and Nedeljkovic could become one of the names brought through the Ibrox doors before the deadline.

Kevin Kelsy deal proving difficult

Right-back is not the only position where Rangers are trying to strengthen.

The club are also pursuing a new striker, with Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy reportedly among their leading targets.

Football Insider previously revealed that Rangers could find it difficult to complete a deal for the Venezuelan striker before the transfer window closes.

The Gers are understood to have submitted an offer worth around £7.4 million for the 22-year-old, but that figure may not be enough to persuade Portland Timbers to sell.

Rangers are therefore expected to push harder if they are serious about bringing Kelsy to Scotland.

Kelsy’s impressive MLS form

Kelsy has attracted attention with his performances in Major League Soccer this season.

The 22-year-old has scored nine goals in just 18 MLS appearances, while also providing two assists for his teammates.

Those numbers have helped establish him as an exciting attacking prospect, and Rangers reportedly view him as someone capable of developing into an important player at Ibrox.

However, his performances have also increased his market value.

Rangers have identified Kelsy as a potential long-term investment, but it has become increasingly obvious that Portland will not allow him to leave for a modest fee.

The reported £7.4 million offer demonstrates Rangers’ willingness to invest, but the club may have to improve their proposal significantly to reach an agreement.

Rangers face a busy deadline

With the transfer window entering its final stages, Rangers still have several areas to address.

Tavernier will not be returning despite the speculation surrounding his future, meaning the club must continue searching for a right-back.

Nedeljkovic has emerged as a potential solution, but negotiations remain to be completed and Rangers may need to decide whether a permanent transfer or loan deal represents the best option.

At the same time, McInnes wants further attacking reinforcements, with Kelsy remaining an expensive target.

For Tavernier, the immediate priority is finding a new club after an extended period as a free agent. Turkey appears to offer potential opportunities, and he is reportedly keen to secure an agreement soon.

While a return to Ibrox would undoubtedly have appealed to some Rangers supporters, the club’s current stance appears definitive: Tavernier remains a legend at Rangers, but there are no plans for him to pull on the famous blue shirt again this summer.