Leader and goals: James Tavernier lowdown amid Wolves links to defender who Rangers 'can't replicate'

This week Rangers full back James Tavernier became the latest out of contract player linked with a move to Molineux.

As Wolves set about their summer re-build amid departures - the club are looking to add experience to their side for a push for Championship promotion.

Sunderland’s Dan Neil has already been linked - and now the long serving Rangers man Tavernier is the latest.

The 34-year-old has already confirmed he will end an eleven year association with the Old Firm club, after netting 144 goals in 563 games.

The Newcastle academy graduate, who went on a series of loans in England before moving to Rangers, has picked up multiple domestic trophies while playing north of the border.

He has been linked with moves to England in the past - and now Wolves as well as Spurs have been credited with interest this summer.

Wolves consider him as a potential option for their summer re-build - but it is not guaranteed they will make a move.

What could the full back add to Rob Edwards’ squad for next season?

Statistics and a leader

Tavernier’s statistics are the first thing that stick out - as a full back those numbers are almost unrivalled.

In the majority of his campaigns in Scotland, he has recorded double digits in terms of goals and assists.

A lot of that is down to his set piece quality, taking penalties, free kicks and corners.

But to post those numbers, albeit some may say in the SPL, is an impressive feat.

Moving forward to next season, Wolves are going to be looking to dominate in the Championship.

They already have a top marksman in Adam Armstrong in their side - but adding a full back with these numbers could be a big shot in the arm.

As one of the big fish in the Championship pond, it is expected Wolves are going to dominate games, and that could suit Tavernier.

He’s a full back who likes to get forward a lot, join attacks, almost serving as an extra winger or midfielder.

With Wolves no doubt hoping to be dominating possession, his quality could lend itself to that.

One big sticking point this season for Wolves has been a lack of leaders, and not just in terms of a captain.

They have lacked leadership not just this season, but going back to the previous campaign.

The names being linked to Wolves this summer seem to have those credentials. Tavernier has been credited as being a trememdous leader for Rangers, and those qualities could bode well at Molineux.

‘You can’t replicate’

The man who made Tavernier captain at Rangers has been speaking this week - heaping praise on the quality of the full back.

Steven Gerrard made the defender his skipper at Ibrox, and he insists Rangers will struggle to replace someone of his quality.

He said: “You won’t replace him directly. You won’t find a fullback like that to replace. He’s very unique.

"You can’t replicate his goals, assists, and quality, and also the loyalty to stick with Rangers through thick and thin.

"There’s probably been many a time where he’s had the chance to jump out of the heat.

"But what he’s done is he’s stayed there and fought for the fans for eleven years."

Another ex-Rangers boss has also praised his character and what he has done for the club - despite the defender facing criticism at periods during his time at Ibrox.

Mark Warburton, who spent two years in charge at the club, said: “He can hit one of those dangerous balls, and it might not get the end product of the goal, but the crowd are suddenly lifted, and Tav’s got that in boatloads.

“He has to be thick-skinned, but he’s genuinely a top-class character. I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s been outstanding for Rangers. Anyone who criticises him should look themselves in the mirror and say: ‘Look what he’s done for Rangers’.”