Southampton update shared in Gerrard chase as Rangers search continues
Rangers are closing in on their new manager with Steven Gerrard likely to return, which could still affect proceedings elsewhere.
Gerrard is close to a stunning return to Ibrox, with the Gers wanting to make an appointment by the end of the week, which will bring a lengthy search to an end.
Rangers are aiming to rebuild under a new manager after a dismal season in which they went trophyless, and Gerrard would have a huge task on his hands.
He could have moved to a different club, though, as relegated Premier League side Southampton were interested in the Liverpool legend.
Southampton were interested in Gerrard before Rangers talks
It has now emerged that Southampton were interested in Gerrard, but have now left the running as a result of his productive talks with Rangers.
The Saints parted ways with former Rangers defender Russell Martin earlier this season, who was also in contention for the Ibrox job alongside Gerrard.
EFL Analysis (21 May) have reported that Southampton are now turning their attentions away from Gerrard, which is a strong indication that he is closing in on the Rangers job.
| Matches | Won | Drew | Lost | Points-per-match |
| 192 | 124 | 41 | 27 | 2.15 |
It is reported that despite talks with other candidates, including Davide Ancelotti, Gerrard is the frontrunner for the job, and a deal is likely to be completed.
Martin could have been an option for Rangers
It was recently reported that Martin was spoken to about the Rangers job, but he is in contention for a shock return to Southampton now.
Had Gerrard chosen Southampton, then the former Rangers enforcer could have been an option to take over at Ibrox.
Martin played a possession-dominant style as Southampton were promoted in 2024, but this did not work in the Premier League, and he was dismissed.
This style could have worked with the right investment at Rangers, given that they are favourites in most of the domestic games they play, but they have opted to look elsewhere, it seems.
Gerrard won Rangers’ last title back in 2021, and it is hoped that he can undertake another rebuild job in Glasgow, with a 55 per cent win-rate across three clubs in his managerial career.