Rangers are searching for their next manager after Steven Gerrard quit Ibrox for Aston Villa and could turn to Gers hero Giovanni van Bronckhorst to take up the now-vacant hot seat.
Reports by the Evening Times, The Scottish Sun, The Athletic and the Daily Record all claim Van Bronckhorst is emerging as a leading contender for the newly available Glasgow gig.
Rangers chiefs have stepped up the process of searching for Gerrard’s successor after he signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Villa.
The Evening Times report Gers Sporting Director Ross Wilson is overseeing the search for a new head coach. And Van Bronckhorst has featured prominently in Rangers’ early planning.
The 43-year-old is keen to secure his next dugout job after leaving Chinese side Guangzhou R&F in December. He would also be eager to return to Ibrox, 20-years on from leaving as a player to join Arsenal.
Wilson wants to avoid any extra disruption from Gerrard’s sudden exit by naming Rangers’ next manager as soon as possible. While also needing to hire a new backroom team, after Gary McAllister, Michael Beale, Tom Culshaw and Jordan Milsom left.
Rangers are also discussing a return for Gennaro Gattuso – who, like Van Bronckhorst, is open to replacing Gerrard as manager.
But The Scottish Sun claim Van Bronckhorst is the top choice and Rangers have contacted the Dutchman’s camp.
While the Daily Record add Wilson has a close working relationship with Van Bronckhorst’s agent, Guido Albers, from the Gers chiefs’ time as Southampton’s Director of Football.
Should Rangers name Van Bronckhorst their next manager after Gerrard?
Van Bronckhorst could be an interesting name for Rangers to consider as they search for a new manager after Gerrard.
The Dutchman told Sky Sports last year that it would be a ‘dream’ to manage the teams he played for. While also hailing the influence of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
Ronald de Boer also backed Van Bronckhorst to one day become the Rangers’ manager in 2019. Stating, via The Scottish Sun: “Gerrard is manager of Rangers and has done well.
“But at some stage he is going to have the ambition to take another step elsewhere. I think Gio would be a great fit in Scotland with Rangers.”
While ex-Feyenoord Director of Football Martin van Geel said of Van Bronckhorst – with whom they won an Eredivisie title and two Dutch cups – via Xinhua net: “Giovanni has done more than fantastic here and he continues to do well.”
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