Any chance Bristol City had of tempting Steven Gerrard south looks to have ended, with the Rangers manager reportedly intent on remaining at Ibrox.
Bristol Live understands that Gerrard has been under consideration by the City board to succeed Lee Johnson and over the last 48 hours had been elevated to become bookmakers' favourite.
Gerrard possess the mix of gravitas, coaching skills and ambition who could also raise the profile of the Robins as they seek Premier League football.
However, the former Liverpool midfielder would also be expensive given he has four years to run on his contract and has a salary that would likely eclipse the Robins highest-earner, Tomas Kalas.
Speaking on Talksport, presenter Jim White who is well-connected at Ibrox has dismissed any possibility of the 40-year-old walking away from Glasgow.
"It is our understanding that Steven Gerrard will be staying with Rangers as he has absolutely no interest in being anywhere else other than at Rangers," White said.
"So Rangers fans will be breathing a sigh of relief because they want Gerrard at the helm as they go all-out next season to stop Celtic winning 10-in-a-row."
City appear in no rush to appoint Johnson's replacement with the long-standing head coach having been sacked 13 days ago.
Chris Hughton remains available and is said to be interested in the job having been out of the game for more than a year following his dismissal at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Steve and Jon Lansdown and Mark Ashton want to explore all options, and candidates in Europe have been sounded out as well as more recognised figures in the English game.
Dean Holden remains in caretaker charge of the team with two matches of the season remaining - against Swansea and Preston - with City retaining the slenderest of chances of making the top six.
With such a quick turnaround between the conclusion of this campaign and the likely early September start of next, however, an appointment will ideally be made before the start of pre-season heading into 2020/21.
