Amid rumours that Steven Gerrard is closing in on a return to Rangers, fresh reports have also indicated that he could instantly lose a talented young player to Arsenal upon his potential comeback.
Gerrard closing in on Rangers return
With a disastrous Rangers campaign now over, the 49ers have instantly turned their attention towards welcoming their next permanent manager at Ibrox. Having parted ways with Philippe Clement and decided against handing Barry Ferguson the role after his interim spell, it looks as though the Scottish giants have finally found their man, too.
Steven Gerrard
According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Steven Gerrard is now closing in on a return to the Rangers dugout. The former manager, who ended the Gers' 10-year wait for a Scottish Premiership title in 2021 before leaving for Aston Villa later that year, looks set to land his first role since leaving Saudi club Al Ettifaq at the end of January.
The Liverpool legend, if reports at to be believed, will have plenty of work to do if he wants to get himself back onside of Ibrox. Whilst his last spell was full of pressure as he took his first venture into senior management, he cannot afford to get off to a poor start this time around as he looks to ensure that his departure is as good as forgotten.
Steven Gerrard at Rangers Record (via Transfermarkt)
Games 192
Wins 124
Draws 41
Defeats 27
Whilst they won't appreciate the comparison, Rangers should be hoping that Gerrard's return goes as well as Brendan Rodgers' has done at Celtic. Like Gerrard, Rodgers also controversially left for the Premier League before returning amid mixed feelings. Two league titles later, however, and those mixed feelings are arguably a thing of the past.
The Rangers job may not prove to be quite as routine, though, and the news of one player's potential exit could yet hand Gerrard a frustrating start if he does complete a return to Ibrox.
Arsenal eyeing McGuire move
According to Rangers review, Arsenal now want to sign Rydnn McGuire from Rangers this summer in a deal which could yet cost them around £1m in the coming months. In an early blow for Gerrard's potential second tenure, the Gers could lose a 17-year-old talent who was only handed his first professional contract back in January.
Given how Rangers struggled in the goalkeeper department in the closing stages of the season, with Ferguson deciding to drop Jack Butland for Liam Kelly, losing a young shot-stopper who's full of potential would be an undoubted blow.
Whilst McGuire is unlikely to play a role in the senior side at this stage of his career, there is certainly a route into the first time as the 49ers look to transform Rangers without overspending.
Rangers-Ianis-Hagi Related
[After Hagi & Balogun: 49ers must ruthlessly axe "struggling" Rangers flop](https://www.footballfancast.com/after-hagi-balogun-rangers-must-ruthlessly-axe-propper/ "After Hagi & Balogun: 49ers must ruthlessly axe "struggling" Rangers flop")
Rangers must move on from this flop after they released Ianis Hagi and Leon Balogun.
Whether the promising teenager waits around to impress Gerrard this summer is the big question. The manager, himself, failed to resist the attraction of the Premier League in the past and could now watch on as the Rangers goalkeeper completes a similar move.