The Liverpool legend and 55-winning Gers hero is the favourite to replace Russell Martin
Steven Gerrard
Rangers are set to continue talks with Steven Gerrard over the weekend as the former Ibrox boss inches towards a sensational return to Glasgow.
Light Blues chiefs Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe held initial discussions with the title-winning gaffer in London on Thursday.
And further sit-downs are planned for the coming days as the club’s American owners continue the hunt for Russell Martin ’s replacement.
Chairman Cavenagh and his delegation are also understood to have met with rival candidates – including former Sheffield Wednesday coach Danny Rohl.
But Gerrard is undoubtedly the leading contender, with club insiders describing the talks so far with the 45-year-old “constructive”.
Record Sport revealed this week that the Liverpool legend was looking for clarity on the club’s chain of command following the San Francisco 49ers-backed summer takeover.
But he IS open to the idea of returning to Ibrox, where he led Gers to an Invincible Premiership triumph in 2021.
Rumours about an early unveiling swept through the fevered fan base on Friday but supporters have been advised to hold their horses, with the negotiations still at an early stage.
Gerrard helped Rangers to the Premiership title during his previous stint with the club(Image: Getty Images)
Record Sport understands there has certainly been no hint given to the first-time players training at Auchenhowie this week that an appointment is imminent despite premature claims to the contrary down south.
But the news that Gerrard is a leading figure in the race to replace Martin will encourage the Light Blue legions who have emphatically thrown their weight behind his candidacy.
Gerrard first made the move to Glasgow in 2018 and spent three and a half years in Glasgow. His stint ended only when he decided to join Aston Villa just six months after his unbeaten side had halted Celtic’s quest for 10 in a row.
Martin was the man chosen to replace former gaffer Philippe Clement this summer – but he was forced out after 122 disastrous days in charge when a support who were already sceptical about his appointment turned toxic in the wake of a nightmare start to the season.
Whoever comes in this term will inherit a side languishing down in eighth, a huge 11 points behind Premiership leaders Hearts and nine behind bitter rivals Celtic.
But former Ibrox ace Kyle Lafferty believes that Gers can still claw their way back into the title race – and reckons Gerrard is the man to lead the charge.
He told Record Sport: “If Steven comes in, it wouldn’t surprise me if he gets the team up there challenging again and fighting for the title this season.
“Seriously, I wouldn’t be shocked if he won it. He’ll come in expecting to win it. He won’t settle for second place.
“He won’t be thinking, let’s close the gap on Celtic and Hearts and maybe finish a few points off.
“I know him and I’ve played under him. He’ll literally come in and think he can win the league this season.
“That’s the type of person he is. He’s full of confidence and belief in his own ability. And that’s what the fans want.”