Aston Villa are ‘looking at signing’ Rangers defender James Tavernier in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 30-year-old has been a standout performer for the reigning Scottish champions for a number of years now and could try his luck in the Premier League next term.

What is the latest news involving Tavernier?

Tavernier joined Rangers from Wigan Athletic in 2015 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the club’s most influential figures in their modern history.

In his 339 appearances across all competitions, the right-back has registered 79 goals and 106 assists, guiding the Ibrox outfit back to the top-flight before claiming the SPL title last term.

Under the tutelage of former manager Steven Gerrard, Tavernier was named captain in 2018 and went on to make 168 outings during the 41-year-old tactician’s reign.

The pair lifted Rangers’ first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years together in 2020/21 after going the entire league campaign unbeaten, finishing a whopping 25 points clear of Celtic.

And Gerrard was open in his praise for the attack-minded full-back during his time north of the border, labelling his consistency “outrageous”.

What has Jones said about Tavernier?

Gerrard has had a mixed start to life at Villa Park and recently revealed he may try to bring a new captain this summer as he weighs up who should have the role in the long term.

“I still won't rule out the option of someone coming in, who I know, who is also capable of being in the running,” he said ahead of the clash with Tottenham Hotspur. “It is something I am analysing really closely, and I will make a decision during pre-season.”

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And Jones has disclosed how there is ‘potential’ for Tavernier to come in and fill the leadership void in Villa’s dressing room.

He told GiveMeSport: “Yeah, there’s potential. Automatically, my mind goes to a central midfielder, but I think he'd be open-minded about how this can open up.

“I think he's obviously someone they're looking at signing, so it's definitely got to have potential.”

Do Aston Villa need Tavernier?

It’s clear Gerrard isn’t completely convinced over current captain Tyrone Mings and his ability to take the club forward on a long-term basis.

Villa also only have one natural right-back in their first-team squad in the shape of Matty Cash, meaning Tavernier, who has 87 senior career goals to his name, could offer some natural cover and competition for the Poland international.

Therefore, a reunion with Tavernier may solve two problems in one for Gerrard, and it perhaps wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Villa boss raid his old club this summer.