STEVEN GERRARD is the leading candidate to replace Philippe Clement as the next permanent Rangers manager, it’s being claimed.
We told you earlier how the former Ibrox boss was the odds-on favourite to make a stunning return to Glasgow after Barry Ferguson‘s departure was confirmed by the club.
Gerrard has been one of the many coaches on the radar of Gers chiefs, with Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin also on the shortlist.
But the Daily Mail claim it is in fact the Liverpool legend who has emerged as the frontrunner.
It’s claimed Gerrard, 44, has been identified as the preferred option for the board with new sporting director Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart leading the hunt, with Gretar Steinsson of 49ers Enterprises also involved.
SunSport understands the search for a new manager has reached the final stages.
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The Light Blues hierarchy want their new man in the door quickly as possible ahead of pre-season starting on June 23.
Gerrard spent three years as Rangers manager after taking on the role in 2018 before leaving to join Aston Villa in 2021.
He ended the Ibrox club’s almost decade-long wait for a league trophy when he stopped Celtic‘s 10-in-a-row push in the 2020/21 season.
Most recently the Liverpool legend was in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq but he left the club in January.
And the report suggests he was sounded out by Gers chiefs about making a return to Ibrox as early as February when Clement was axed.
Club legend Ferguson took over the role on an interim basis instead.
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Speaking tonight Rangers legend and former team-mate Craig Moore revealed why he believes Gerrard is the most likely to take the reigns next season – after speaking to Ferguson himself.
Asked about the prospect of Ancelotti Jr taking over instead, Moore told Go Radio: “Not as a head coach. He has zero experience. That doesn’t fit the criteria.
“Gerrard’s odds have been slashed again because he had the success, therefore you can say he has the experience.
“He is a name that has never really disappeared. Another one with the Everton link (to new sporting director Kevin Thelwell) is Dyche.
“So, just from the information that we are getting it’s experience, experience, experience. For me it will be a British coach. For me, the club need to make an announcement and they need to make it quick-smart.”
