James Tavernier will only leave Rangers for Saudi Arabia under one condition as future predicted by Barry Ferguson

Barry Ferguson reckons skipper James Tavernier should only consider a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia if he feels he can no longer perform at the top level for Rangers.

Multiple outlets in the Middle East claim that the 32-year-old will be offered the chance to team up with his former boss Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq next summer, off the back of swirling rumours that the Liverpool legend has been eyeing up his old lieutenant since his arrival in Saudi Arabia last July.

Tavernier, who has been in fine form this season with 24 goals and 10 assists in 52 matches in all competitions, is currently under contract at Ibrox until May 2026. Former Light Blues captain Ferguson believes Tavernier still has a part to play in the coming years in Govan but admits that the life-changing money on offer in the Saudi Pro League will give the English full back a decision to make.

Speaking on Go Radio, he said: "The rumours that started last summer have not gone away. They came again in the January window have now resurfaced in the last couple of days, so there must be some truth in it.

"I think it will come down to what James Tavernier wants to do. He still has another two years left on his contract. But we all know what kind of money is in Saudi Arabia. It could be life-changing. So it will be interesting to see what happens come the end of the season.

The ex-midfielder was then asked if he would have made the switch to the Middle East if the opportunity had arose towards the end of his own playing career. "It would be depending on how I felt", he replied. "If you felt you could still make a contribution to the team, you would stay at Rangers because you want to try and win trophies and play in front of 50,000 fans.But there comes a stage where even though your head can still do it, your legs just start to give up.

"I don't think James Tavernier is at that stage because there is still a lot of football in him, but it might not come around again. I'm sure he'll sit down and discuss it with his advisors and see what happens going forward."