JAMES TAVERNIER looks set to hand Rangers a major boost by committing his long-term future to Ibrox.

The Light Blues have held discussions with the right-back in recent days and SportTimes understands he is now close to putting pen-to-paper on an extension to his deal.

Tavernier has become an integral part of the Gers side since he made the move from Wigan Athletic in Mark Warburton’s first summer at the helm and won the Championship title and Petrofac Training Cup in his maiden campaign.

His current contract is due to expire at the end of next season but talks are now at an advanced stage as Rangers look to tie down one of their most important players on fresh terms.

Boss Graeme Murty has spoken positively about Tavernier in recent weeks and expressed his belief that he could one day go on and play in the Premier League.

Murty handed the 26-year-old the armband for the 6-1 win over Ayr United on Sunday as he led Rangers into the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.

The Englishman has scored six times in 32 appearances this term and was on the scoresheet as Murty’s side got back to winning ways in the Premiership against Partick Thistle at Firhill.

The former Newcastle United youngster admitted last month that he has ‘unfinished business’ at Ibrox as he targeted major silverware with Rangers in the coming years.

And now Tavernier will give Murty another reason to celebrate if he finalises a bumper Light Blues deal and commits his future to Rangers for the next three-and-a-half years.