James Tavernier has spoken ahead of Rangers’ meeting with Celtic this weekend

Rangers captain James Tavernier has revealed that talks over a potential new contract have started to take place behind the scenes at Ibrox.

The skipper is approaching the end of his current deal and will leave the club as a free agent this summer, unless he pens new terms. Tavernier turned 34 in October but remains a key part of the Rangers team and has not missed a single game so far this season.

The full-back spoke ahead of Rangers’ looming derby clash with Celtic this weekend, which could give Danny Rohl and his players the perfect start to the new year.

James Tavernier confirms talks have been held ‘behind the scenes’ with Rangers

As Rangers gear up to face rivals Celtic in their second derby meeting of the season, Tavernier revealed talks have ‘already taken place behind the scenes’ with club decision-makers. However, he would not speak further on the possibility of him staying with the team beyond this season.

Instead, his full focus is on facing Celtic, who enter Saturday’s clash with just two wins from their first seven games under new manager Wilfried Nancy. Rangers have a huge opportunity to go level on points with the Hoops if they win at Parkhead.

There is now even talk of Rangers launching a stunning and unexpected push to challenge for the title. Under Russell Martin, the Gers looked down and out, but they have come back fighting under Rohl and will be looking for revenge for the Premier Sports Cup final.

“From where we were in the season, some people might have completely written us off. We’ve just had to keep our heads down and just keep chipping away. We have to keep our consistency high, we can’t afford to drop standards. We have to be solid until the end of the season.

“That’s my aim every single season here (to win the title). To work and play all season then get the benefits of it at the end is the reason you’re here at Rangers - to win league titles. So we have to work really hard until the last day and push ourselves.”

Rangers analysts ‘have done lots of homework’ on struggling Celtic

Tavernier admitted his side have looked into Celtic’s tactics under new management.

“Everyone has obviously spoken about their formation and style of play. Our analyst boys have done a lot of homework on them and we’ll have a couple of meetings ahead of the game,” he continued.

“But we just have to focus on what we’re going to do. We want to be aggressive without the ball. And on it, try to be composed, get to their final third and create chances.

“I’ve played there in the past at times when we’ve done well and put the crowd against them. That’s because of how we’ve played so it’ll be about how we start the game.”