YOU’RE TWO GOOD TO GO
Gerrard puts his faith in Tav and Windass
STEVEN GERRARD has begun his Rangers reign by ring-fencing Josh Windass and James Tavernier from any potential clear-out.
Record Sport understands the new Ibrox boss has made
it known he wants both players to be a part of his plans for the new season and has told director of football Mark Allen not to encourage bids for either of them over the summer.
Gerrard – who spent his first official day as Rangers boss in Toulon yesterday scouting potential targets – met Windass in Dubai last month after Burnley and Cardiff were reported to be showing interest.
During that meeting the former Liverpool skipper urged Windass to ignore speculation about a possible move back down south and concentrate on playing a key role in a new look Rangers side.
Tavernier has also been attracting attention from the Premier League with Crystal Palace reported to be keen on the 27-year-old.
But Gerrard is confident both players will commit to being a part of his rebuilding job. He has also given assurances to a host of other players he won’t rush into ending their Rangers careers.
They will be given a chance to impress during pre-season training that will begin in less than a fortnight.
But the new man has pinpointed the heart of the Rangers defence as in need of urgent upgrading and it’s believed he hopes to bring in at least three centre-halves over the coming weeks.
Brighton’s Connor Goldson could be the first arrival after Gerrard sanctioned two bids but as of yesterday Rangers had still not met the £3million asking price. The new Light Blues gaffer, in Marseille as part of his UEFA Pro Licence but also taking in the Toulon Tournament, already has an idea of his blueprint for the future.
He has been in constant contact with Allen and head of scouting Andy Scoulding.
And in his first interview since taking over Gerrard said: “There’s a level of footballer here which of course would interest me.
“I’m on the Pro-Licence but while I’m here I want to kill two birds with one stone. I want to see what talent is here and if there’s anyone who interests me.
“I’ve also got a wandering eye on what’s going on with certain individual players.
“The phone has been non-stop. I’ve been working really closely with Mark and Andy in terms of the targets we want to bring in.
“And also talking about players we’ve already got – how we see the squad looking and shaping up.
“There’s loads of work to do, everyone is aware of that. My contract at Rangers started from June 1 but the ball has been rolling a lot longer than that. I’ve a fair idea of what needs to be done already.”
Gerrard’s trip to Toulon is with the English FA as he looks to qualify officially as a coach next summer.
Another of Gerrard’s backroom team was confirmed yesterday. Jordan Milsom tweeted he was leaving his role as Liverpool’s strength and rehab fitness coach to become head of performance with Rangers.