Rangers boss Philippe Clement says it would cost “a lot of money” if someone tried to buy James Tavernier and Connor Goldson.
Former Gers boss Steven Gerrard reportedly wants to bring two of his former players – full-back Tavernier, 32, and centre-back Goldson, 31 – to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq in the summer.
Both players have a contract until 2026 and ahead of Sunday’s trip to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership, read more live Sky SportsThe Gers manager was asked about the speculation surrounding two of his key figures.
Sunday, April 28, 11:30 a.m
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“That would cost a lot of money. These are two players who are important for next season,” said Clement, who revealed that midfielder John Lundstram, whose contract expired in the summer, was offered a new contract but has not yet accepted it. The Rangers are standing by his side recent injury brought him into contact with Abdallah Sima’s parent club Brighton.
“My players come to me to talk to me when they have doubts or want to leave or when their contract has expired. We have this relationship.”
“If I have to talk to every player that there are rumors about, then we won’t train too much.”
Abdallah Sima is out injured
Lundstram, 30, is one of several Rangers players whose contracts expire in the summer and Clement wants him to extend his time in Govan.
The Belgian coach said: “There have been offers from the club, there is no agreement yet. That’s the only thing I can say right now.”
“I hope that [he stays]. I know he loves the club and the fact of being here, but it depends on what you can offer as a club and what other clubs offer.
“That’s why I don’t like the fact that important players are letting their contracts expire.”
“I don’t think that’s a good thing for a club. Nothing like this will ever happen again as long as I’m here.”
John Lundstram has been offered a new contract with Rangers
Clement insists other out-of-contract players such as Leon Balogun, Borna Barisic, Kemar Roofe and Ryan Jack still have time to agree new deals.
He said: “If someone we couldn’t count on enough this season but he plays the next six games and is the best man on the pitch then it’s silly not to give a contract.”
“So everything is still possible. It’s in their hands.”
Sima had only recently returned after suffering a hamstring injury during AFCON action for Senegal in January, but came off early in last Sunday’s 2-0 Scottish Gas Scottish Cup win over Hearts at Hampden Park.
Clement said: “We will be in touch with Brighton about this over the next few weeks. I hope to see him play again this season and he hopes so too.”
“He’s very motivated to do that. He’s a great kid, someone with really strong mental strength, a really positive person, so he wants to come back as soon as possible.”
Winger Rabbi Matondo is questionable after suffering a knock against Hearts, while left-back Ridvan Yilmaz, who has been out since playing for Turkey last month, will return to training next week alongside midfielder Jack.
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