Rangers could be set to unveil their new permanent manager later this week.
49ers Enterprises are actively working to finalise their takeover at Ibrox, with Gretar Steinsson leading the managerial search alongside Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart.
Although the American consortium hasn’t officially completed the acquisition, a managerial appointment is expected to be made before Paraag Marathe and Andrew Cavenagh formalise their ownership deal.
The list of candidates has reportedly narrowed, with final decisions looming.
According to the Daily Record, the frontrunners are standing by for a phone call, with the next update from Ibrox potentially determining the outcome. Club executives could hold another round of interviews early this week as they close in on a successor to Philippe Clement and interim boss Barry Ferguson.
Russell Martin, Davide Ancelotti, and Brian Priske are among the names under serious consideration, while speculation linking Steven Gerrard with a return has gone quiet.
Gerrard was recently spotted at Anfield during Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations on 25 May, keeping him nearby in case final discussions are needed.
Ancelotti remains a leading candidate.
Despite various names being floated, Ancelotti has consistently stayed in the frame, especially after officially parting ways with Real Madrid. With his father, Carlo, heading to Brazil without him, rumours of Davide staying in Europe for talks with Rangers have intensified.
After years working as an assistant at elite clubs under his father, the younger Ancelotti may now be ready to strike out on his own and establish his own managerial reputation.
With Rangers players set to return for pre-season training on 23 June ahead of vital Champions League qualifiers, the club will want their new manager in place quickly. Securing qualification for Europe’s top competition and rebuilding a depleted squad will be the immediate tasks awaiting the incoming boss.
