Steven Gerrard in talks over Rangers return | OneFootball

Steven Gerrard is set for talks this week with Rangers over a dramatic return to Ibrox, as the club intensifies its search for a successor to the sacked Russell Martin, Sky Sports reports.

The former Rangers boss, who guided the club to their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade in 2021, is among a shortlist of candidates being considered by the club’s American ownership group. Gerrard, currently living in Bahrain after leaving Saudi side Al Ettifaq earlier this year, is said to be open to discussions, though he is seeking reassurances that the Rangers project aligns with his ambitions at this stage of his career.

Talks between Gerrard and the club’s hierarchy are expected to take place before the weekend, marking the most concrete step yet in Rangers’ managerial pursuit. While his affinity with the club remains strong, negotiations will not be straightforward, the two parties having been unable to agree on terms when Gerrard was approached last summer.

The 45-year-old recently admitted he has “unfinished business” in management and described Rangers as the “perfect match” during his previous tenure. His leadership transformed the club from a fractured outfit into champions, famously halting Celtic’s pursuit of 10 consecutive titles.

Former midfielder Ryan Jack has publicly backed Gerrard’s return, praising his leadership and motivational influence, while Sky Sports’ Gordon Duncan labelled the talks a “significant step” in the club’s rebuild.

However, with Rangers languishing in mid-table and struggling in Europe, Gerrard would require both financial backing and a convincing long-term vision to reprise his role.

GFN | Finn Entwistle