Rangers sign James Tavernier and Martyn Waghorn from Wigan

Scottish Championship outfit Rangers are close to securing the signings of Wigan Athletic’s Martyn Waghorn and James Tavernier, according to the Wigan Evening Post.

“Rangers are a massive club and as soon as there was interest there was no thinking about it”, Tavernier said.

The 23-year-old winger grew up in the Ibrox area of Glasgow and followed the team around the country as a child, but his dreams of playing for the club might have been dashed when he was freed as a 15-year-old after spending several years in the youth ranks.

The 25-year-old failed to hold down a regular place in the Leicester side enjoying loan spells at Hull, Millwall and Wigan before making his move to Wigan permanent in the summer of 2014.

He played 23 times in the Championship last season, scoring three goals.

Warburton, who had already brought in Danny Wilson, Rob Kiernan, Wes Foderingham, Jordan Thompson and Tom Lang, made Andy Halliday his sixth signing since taking over as Rangers manager at the weekend.

Tavernier is looking for a hat-trick of promotions after helping Rotherham and Bristol City move up divisions in the past two seasons.

Waghorn also highlighted the influence of Warburton and assistant David Weir. Tavernier, who was a Newcastle United youth player, played twice for the Magpies in England’s top flight while Waghorn played six times in the Premier League for Newcastle’s north east rivals Sunderland in the late 2000s.

“I hadn’t really met them on a personal level, but when I sat down with them and they got across their ideas and how they want to play, it was brilliant”. It was a no-brainer. I see myself being here for the long-term.

Asked about the prospect of returning to Scotland to play for Rangers, May said: “I’m focused on one thing and that’s getting into the Sheffield Wednesday first XI on the first day of the season and progressing from there. So I’m really proud, really pleased, and grateful to be a part of it. Hopefully I can bring my best and do my best for the club”.