Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has conceded every player has their price in the wake of speculation over Tavernier's future

Tavernier has been in scintillating form under new boss Steven Gerrard. Credit: PA

Steven Gerrard insists the days of Rangers selling on the cheap are over.

Brighton have been linked with a January swoop for Ibrox skipper James Tavernier but Gerrard has warned the Seagulls they will have to dig deep if they want to prise the right-back away from Govan.

And he says that goes for any other suitors looking to pinch his best players.

Speaking after his side moved back to within five points of league leaders Hearts after claiming a 3-1 win over Craig Levein's team, Gerrard said: "I know the CEO at Brighton (Paul Barber) very well. I used to work alongside him at the FA. He's got my number and he knows where I am.

"But he best go to the owners and ask for an awful lot of money if he wants James Tavernier.

"That goes for any CEO, any owner, any club that wants my captain. They best go to the bank and get an awful lot of money out - or he's not going.

"I would be surprised if teams don't come (for Tavernier) because he's been absolutely fabulous for me.

Gerrard added: "All my players are for sale. Let's get it out in the open. Every single one of my players is for sale. They have all got a price.

"But they are not the old prices. It's the new prices. So if you want them then come with loads of money and you can have them."

Hearts gifted Rangers the opener just two minutes in when their offside trap malfunctioned leaving Alfredo Morelos to tee-up Ryan Kent for a tap-in.

Demetri Mitchell was then robbed 10 minutes later as Daniel Candeias laid on Morelos' 11th goal of the season and Scott Arfield wrapped up victory from close range just after the half-hour.

Jimmy Dunne netted a late consolation but the damage had already been done to the Jambos, who also had Michael Smith sent off.

"We just got it wrong," said frustrated Hearts boss Levein when quizzed about his side's defending for the first goal. "We've worked that particular situation quite well in the past so you have to take it on the chin.

"One player didn't come out. For me it's a gift. I thought if we didn't gift Rangers the first two goals I think the stats say we were in the game. That included 34 or 40 minutes with 10 men. I'd like that game again, in all honestly, because I think it would have been a different outcome."