Steven Gerrard is poised to hold pivotal discussions with Rangers within the next 48 hours regarding a potential return to Ibrox as the club’s new manager.
The 44-year-old Englishman is now the clear frontrunner, with several bookmakers halting bets on him accepting the role.
It has also come to light that Gerrard has withdrawn from a charity match in France next week due to ‘professional reasons’.
As revealed exclusively by Mail Sport on Monday, the former Liverpool and England legend is currently the leading candidate to take the helm at Rangers for a second spell.
Russell Martin remains an alternative option, but Gerrard still commands strong backing from key decision-makers at Ibrox.
Gerrard is anticipated to continue discussions with Rangers over the next two days, as the club aims to confirm an appointment by the end of the week if feasible.
It is believed he will not encounter any tax issues, which were once seen as a potential barrier, following his departure from Saudi Arabia in January.
Gerrard, who guided Rangers to a league championship in 2021, is enthusiastic about a return to Glasgow and embarking on a new chapter this summer.
His former Liverpool colleague Djibril Cisse revealed on Tuesday that his ex-Champions League-winning skipper won’t be taking part in the forthcoming charity match in France.
Cisse posted on social media: ‘Unfortunately, for professional reasons, Steven Gerrard just advised me that he won’t be able to grace his presence for my anniversary next Tuesday, May 27.
‘My disappointment is great but my respect for my captain goes above all. What we lived together in Istanbul 20 years ago will go above and beyond. Big respect captain.’
Elsewhere, Rangers have confirmed that six senior squad members will depart as the summer overhaul begins.
Leon Balogun, Ianis Hagi, and Tom Lawrence will all exit following the conclusion of their deals at Ibrox.
Vaclav Cerny will head back to his parent club Wolfsburg after his loan spell, while Rangers have opted not to activate the options to sign loanees Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Rafa Fernandes.
A club statement read: ‘Everyone at Ibrox and the Rangers Training Centre thanks the departing players sincerely for their contributions to the football club and wish them all the very best for their future careers.’