In an early blow for the next Rangers manager, one Ibrox star has been handed an exit route to a major European club as soon as the January transfer window opens.
Rangers take key step in manager hunt
It’s been a busy week for Rangers. The Gers brought an end to Russell Martin’s tenure after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership and the full focus has been on their next manager ever since.
A number of names have been mentioned, including Hearts boss Derek McInnes, but Steven Gerrard has remained the favourite. Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, positive talks have been held with the Liverpool legend about a return to Ibrox for the first time since he left for Aston Villa in 2021.
If Rio Ferdinand’s verdict is anything to go by then Gerrard will be delighted to have received the call from the 49ers. The Manchester United legend, who recently interviewed his former rival, told talkSPORT: “I have to say when I interviewed him, he left me in no uncertain terms that he wants to be a manager and he’s got full confidence in doing that.
“He’s itching to get back in now. He never said this to me, but I personally think just the energy that I felt in that room, that if Rangers came calling he’d go or at least have that conversation.”
That said, as excited as he may be to potentially step back into the Ibrox technical area, there’s no doubt that Gerrard will have quite the task on his hands if he takes the job, especially if one player decides to leave.
Besiktas ready to offer Raskin Rangers exit route
As reported by Turkish outlet Aspor and relayed by Sport Witness, Besiktas are now ready to sign Nicolas Raskin as soon as Gerrard potentially arrives. The Belgian rarely saw eye-to-eye with Russell Martin and failed to get his move in the summer, but could now get his way when the winter window arrives.
What sums up the relationship that Raskin had with Martin are the words of his father, who said that the former Rangers boss has an “oversized ego” in a scathing review earlier this season.
“A coach who leaves out eight players from a team that reached the Europa Cup [Europa League] quarter-final last season, a coach who transfers eight players [and puts them in the team] that he knows very well [this kind of thing still exists!!!!!]. The guy has an oversized ego, to put it mildly.” (Raskin’s father on Martin)
Those at Ibrox will hope that the start of a new era will change Raskin’s mind. There’s no doubt that the midfielder has the quality to play an important part in Scotland, having been dubbed “clever” by former Rangers manager Neil McCann last month.