Rangers: Steven Gerrard to hold head coach talks with former club

However, it is clear that Gerrard, who has the support of many fans, has now emerged as one of the leading candidates for the position.

Gerrard was in charge of Rangers between 2018 and 2021 and led the club to its first domestic title in 10 years.

Rangers have not been crowned champions since Gerrard decided to transfer to Aston Villa in November 2021.

After finishing 14th in his first season in charge of the Premier League club, he was sacked 12 games into the following season.

Gerrard became manager of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq in July 2023, but left by mutual consent in January, after which Martin was linked with the job at Rangers before being appointed in June.

Gerrard spoke of his desire to return to management in an interview with former England team-mate Rio Ferdinand this week, but said he “wanted to be in a team that is going to compete to win because I think that suits me better.”

Martin has won just five of 17 games, leaving Rangers in eighth place, 11 points behind leaders Hearts.

Gerrard said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents Podcast that there had been “five or six really interesting phone calls” since he left Saudi Arabia but the timing wasn’t right.