Saudi rule change sees Rangers exit hurdle cleared for Tavernier and Goldson as Steven Gerrard plan nears lift off

A potential hurdle facing Connor Goldson and James Tavernier joining Steven Gerrard is set to be removed with plans for rule changes in the Saudi Pro League underway.

Record Sport revealed that both the Rangers skipper and experienced defender Goldson are on the Al-Ettifaq shopping list this summer, as the Liverpool legend looks to raid his former club to revamp his backline after a disappointing campaign has seen Ettifaq languishing in seventh spot in the Pro League table. However, one hurdle that could emerge is the hardline rules over the number of foreign players allowed in each squad.

Current league rules only allow eight players from outside of Saudi per squad - a rule which has seen the likes of former Celtic hero Jota flop in the Middle East. After a big-money move to Saudi, the Portuguese star was quickly frozen out of the first-team picture following his £25million move due to a lack of space on the Al-Ittihad squad list.

As it stands Gerrard's Ettifaq have filled their eight-player allocation. The likes of Moussa Dembele, Jack Hendry, Demarai Gray and Georginio Wijnaldum are on the list - with only Seko Fofana likely to leave in the summer when the Ivorian's loan deal from Al-Nassr expires.

Gerrard would be forced to clear space for the double signing swoop - but Pro League chiefs are set to green light changes that would derail a deal for Goldson or Tavernier. Reports in the Middle East state that the Saudi Arabian league will increase the figure to 10 foreign players allowed per squad next term.

The change in regulations will likely encourage clubs to continue their efforts to sign players from top teams across the world. And it could clear any doubt in Gerrard's mind over pushing to add the key Ibrox duo.