In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United player Steve Howey has urged James Tavernier to stay at Glasgow Rangers in the January transfer window.

Reports in recent times have heavily tipped Tavernier for the Ibrox exit after his staggering 17-goal haul this season.

More recently, Football Insider have reported that the 54-time Scottish champions are well aware of growing interest in the right-back, who joined Rangers from Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee in 2015.

But Howey believes the in-demand Rangers ace should stay at Ibrox as he is an integral part of Steven Gerrard's side.

Speaking to Football FanCast's James Beavis, he asked: "Does he want to leave? Rangers are undergoing a resurgence right now.

"And I think if fans were there and they were doing what they're doing now - can you imagine the atmosphere at Ibrox? It would be absolutely bouncing.

"There's not many grounds better than Parkhead or Ibrox. For me, he's at a huge club, and they've got a great future ahead of them.

"That's as long as the manager stays and he stays. But how long is he [Gerrard] going to stay there? Because without a doubt, there'll be other people looking at him as well."

Tavernier, who is the club's top scorer this season, has provided 17 goals and 14 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

In total, he has played 148 Scottish Premiership games, and added another goal and assist to his tally in the 2-1 win at Dundee United in December.

Gerrard recently described the 29-year-old as a "powerhouse" after the Rangers captain received the Player of the Month award last year.

His potential departure would be a devastating blow for the Light Blues, let alone the Ibrox boss, as it's safe to say that his understudy Nathan Patterson isn't ready for the big stage quite just yet.

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