Tottenham have suffered a blow in their pursuit of SPL star.
Tottenham Hotspur need to paint a purple patch across the final phase of the season to save themselves from relegation. While they finally won a Premier League game in 2026 last weekend at Wolves, it kept the Lilywhites in the bottom three after West Ham’s last-gasp victory over Everton.
Side by side, the N17 chiefs have started making plans behind the scenes for the summer transfer window. It comes as no surprise that Spurs are prioritising defensive reinforcements over other positions. Recent reports suggest Roberto De Zerbi wants to reunite with AC Milan left-back Pervis Estupinan. There is also an agreement in principle for the North Londoners to sign Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth, with the centre-back’s contract at the Vitality Stadium also expiring.
The Lilywhites have also been linked to Rangers skipper James Tavernier. The experienced right-back (also the highest-scoring RB of all time) has confirmed he will be leaving Rangers at the end of the season, although his destination is currently unknown amid growing interest. Now, there is a recent development on his future.
Rangers star James Tavernier set to snub a move to England
James Tavernier has emerged on the radar of Tottenham ahead of the summer transfer window. Perhaps the 34-year-old’s potential availability on a free transfer from the Gers has caught the eye of Spurs. However, it looks like the full-back isn’t interested in a move down south.
Former Spurs scout Mick Brown claims that Tavernier is ready to reject a return to England in favour of a move to the cash-rich Saudi Pro League. The Rangers defender is eyeing a bumper contract either in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere in Europe, making it clear that he doesn’t want to move to England.
“There’s nothing set in stone with Tavernier. There’s been interest from Saudi Arabia. Obviously, he’s announced that he’s leaving Rangers after a really successful 11-year spell at the club,” Mick Brown said on the Transfer Insider podcast (h/t Football Insider).
“I don’t envisage that he will make the move down to England in the Premier League, I think probably at this stage of his career. Tavernier himself would prefer a new challenge, so maybe a move to Europe or the Saudi Pro League, where there has been interest in the past.
“He’ll have options from several clubs in different countries, and maybe big contracts as well, so a return to England now is unlikely.”
Blow for Tottenham!
It is understood that Tottenham would want Tavernier’s leadership and experience in their squad to bounce back at the first time of asking if they go down. Wolves, whose relegation from the top flight has been confirmed, are also vying for his signature.
Spurs’ strategy is understandable as it would be difficult to keep hold of Pedro Porro should the unthinkable happen. Someone in the ilk of Tavernier would not only give quality, but also a vocal presence in the dressing room. But with the Englishman prioritising a move to Saudi Arabia once his illustrious Rangers career ends, the Tottenham bosses must look elsewhere to fortify their full-back unit.