Rangers frontrunner Giovanni van Bronckhorst is ready and willing to become the new boss at Ibrox.
Record Sport understands the Dutchman’s name has already been discussed at boardroom level as the champions scramble to recruit a replacement for Steven Gerrard, following the Scouser’s appointment at Aston Villa.
We can also reveal that former Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes is another genuine contender, having been previously championed for the position by club legend Walter Smith.
It’s understood Rangers chairman Douglas Park wants a new manager in place ahead of next Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup semi final showdown with Hibs at Hampden.
And sporting director Ross Wilson has spent the last 24 hours compiling a shortlist of candidates, with both van Bronckhorst and McInnes firmly in the mix.
Wilson developed a close working relationship with Van Bronckhorst’s adviser Guido Albers during his time as Southampton’s director of football.
Albers, a Dutch super agent who counts former Saints boss Ronald Koeman among his A list client base, has been informed that bookies favourite Van Bronckhorst is also highly likely to feature on Wilson’s final wish list.
And a source close to the former Rangers, Arsenal and Barcelona player confirmed to Record Sport : “Gio is very much aware of the situation at Ibrox and was quietly amused when he found out betting had already been suspended on him getting the job. The truth is, there has been no direct conversations with Rangers but Gio is monitoring the situation closely.
“He’s never hidden his ambition to return to Rangers one day as manager so, yes, he’s obviously excited to hear his name being mentioned. Let’s put it this way, he’s ready and willing to answer the call if it comes. He’d be in Glasgow tonight if asked.”
Van Bronckhorst - who won five trophies in four seasons in his first managerial job at Feyenoord - is also the overwhelming choice of the Rangers support.
But his former Ibrox team mate McInnes remains in contention despite turning the job down in 2017, before Gerrard was eventually appointed.
McInnes chose not to leave Aberdeen to seal a return to Ibrox after his discussions with then chairman Dave King broke down.
Current chairman Park, however, was one of McInnes’ biggest backers in the boardroom having received a glowing reference from late great Smith who passed away last month. It’s understood he was unhappy with the manner in which King botched the final round of talks and has remained an admirer of McInnes ever since.
The extensive list of alternative possible contenders to replace Gerrard include Italian World Cup winner Rino Gattuso - another former Ibrox star - and one time Chelsea and England team mates Frank Lampard and John Terry among others.
After putting pen to paper on a three and half year contract at Villa Park yesterday morning Gerrard wrote: “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone associated with Glasgow Rangers, especially the fans, for the love and support you’ve all shown me during my time in Scotland.
“Winning ‘55’ will always hold a special place in my heart - each and every one of you played a part in that and, believe me, there will be many more to come.
“I hope in time you can understand and accept my decisions to move on but I honestly fell in love with the club and will always follow the team.
“Once a Ranger, always a Ranger #55”
And Rangers supremo Park added: “I would firstly like to put on record my thanks to Steven for his outstanding efforts over the last three-and-a-half years at Rangers.
“He has provided us all with some unforgettable moments, not least his delivery of the Scottish Premiership title back to Ibrox last season having not lost a match in the entire league campaign.
“In European competition, he has restored the good name and credibility of our club on the continent and leaves us in a very healthy position on the pitch.”
