Steven Gerrard lined up for emotional return to former club but faces competition from sacked Premier League bosses

STEVEN GERRARD has been pencilled down for a potential return to Rangers, who are looking for a new manager.

Gerrard, 44, has been a free agent since January after his acrimonious exit from Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq and is looking for his next challenge.

Steven Gerrard has been pencilled down for a potential return to Rangers

Gerrard enjoyed tremendous success at Rangers as he won the Scottish Premiership

Gerrard is a free agent after a hapless stint in Saudi Arabia

According to The Telegraph, that could lead the Liverpool legend back to his roots at Ibrox where his managerial career officially kicked off.

The former England international joined the Gers in 2018 and enjoyed tremendous success during his three-year spell as he won the Scottish Premiership in 2021.

And Rangers are keen on a reunion with the Scouse tactician as they are seeking for a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement, who was sacked in February.

However, Gerrard is part of a long list of candidates that is said to run into double figures.

The likes of former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, ex-Luton Town boss Rob Edwards and Russell Martin, who was recently dismissed by Southampton, are also being considered.

O’Neil had a short but impressive stint with Bournemouth and Wolves before becoming a free agent.

Edwards stood out at Luton as he led them to the Premier League two years ago.

And Martin has history with Rangers as he underwent a loan spell as a player in 2018 before managing at MK Dons, Swansea and of course Saints.

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There are also foreign head coaches being monitored by club chiefs amid the closing stages of the season.

Nevertheless, it is thought to be an open race with no clear favourite for the top job. 

Rangers could offer Gerrard a second chance in his new career as he has seen his stock plummet after two unsuccessful stints at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq.

The legendary midfielder joined Villa on November 2021 – the same year he ended Celtic’s nine-year dominance in the Scottish Premiership.

After a positive first season at Villa Park, Gerrard failed to keep it up and was dismissed following a run of poor results and performances on October 2022.

The Liverpool great then made the big leap to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 but left 18 months later with his team 12th in the table and five points above the relegation zone.

Former Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is also being targeted by Rangers

Ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin is also part of Rangers’ longest of candidates

The same goes for ex-Luton Town boss Rob Edwards, while there are also foreign candidates