Rangers are set to open talks with former boss Steven Gerrard over a sensational return to Ibrox four years on from leaving the role, after they sacked Russell Martin earlier in the week.
The former Liverpool midfielder, who is currently settled with his family in Bahrain despite leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq earlier in the year, was on the Scottish giant’s shortlist of managerial candidates in the summer, although the two parties failed to come to an agreement.
The 45-year-old’s current living situation means negotiations could be tough; however, both Gerrard and the club are interested in opening initial talks, according to Sky Sports.
Where the Premier League legend ranks within their shortlist is currently unknown. Sean Dyche was also believed to be a name considered by the club’s hierarchy, although he is not said to be interested in the role.
Gerrard discussed a potential return to his former side on a recent edition of the Rio Meets podcast.
“I’m enjoying family time and doing a lot of things that I haven’t been able to do,” he revealed. “Going to Grand Prix, doing exhibition games with ex-team-mates and superstars, that type of stuff has been great.
Steven Gerrard has admitted there is 'unfinished business' with Rangers
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“But there’s a part of me that still feels that there’s a bit of unfinished business in terms of wanting to go in and face another couple of exciting challenges.
“But I want a certain type of challenge. If in an ideal world they come available, I’ll jump at them.
“If they don’t, I won’t go back in. I want to be at a team that’s going to compete to win because I think that suits me better.
Rangers are looking to replace Russell Martin after the club sacked the former Southampton boss after just 17 games in charge
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“I think certain jobs and certain clubs would suit my style and the way I like to go about it.
“But I’ve also got time now where I’m not in a rush, where I know the right people that are out there to make me a stronger and a better coach. They are the people I need to find.
“Because if I get the right match with those people around me, I know, and I’ve proved, I can be successful as a manager, and that’s what I’m working on in the background now.”
Gerrard would be replacing the departing Martin, who oversaw a tenure nothing short of disastrous.
The former Southampton boss was in charge for just 123 days at Ibrox, recording just a 29 per cent win rate during his 17 games at the helm.
Martin leaves the club languishing in sixth in the league, managing just one win and six goals in their opening seven games. Only one team, Aberdeen, who sit rock-bottom, have scored less.
Steven Gerrard won a historic unbeaten Scottish Premiership title in 2021
| PAIn fact, they already find themselves nine points adrift from Celtic, and 11 points from table-topper Hearts, who beat Rangers in September.
Martin was the first appointment under the new ownership of healthcare tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises, as they, somewhat hopelessly, looked to return the club to their former great selves.
One boss who has been able to do so in recent years, the gaffer responsible for Rangers' sole Scottish Premiership triumph in 15 seasons, is Gerrard, back in 2021.
The former Aston Villa manager oversaw a brief wave of success at Ibrox, going unbeaten in the league and stopping Celtic in their efforts for a 10th league title on the spin.
The new chairman and vice-chairman partnership of Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe have their work cut out for them to ensure their next appointment is on the money. While Gerrard has a history of success north of the border, prising him away from his current lifestyle could prove difficult, but absolutely necessary.