Rangers fear Guangzhou City will delay their efforts to break Jean-Paul van Gastel from his contract to join likely new boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox, as per the Daily Record.
The Gers jetted over to Holland on Tuesday morning for further talks with Van Bronckhorst and his advisors. But are yet to finalise a deal for the 46-year-old to replace Steven Gerrard.
The Ibrox hierarchy heard his demands, yet could face Hibernian in Sunday’s League Cup semi-final without a manager. With the club waiting 24-hours before making him an offer.
Van Bronckhorst also does not want to take charge unless Rangers can assemble him a full backroom team. Yet he can’t currently bring in his own people until the Gers sort his deal.
One key position to fill will be Van Bronckhorst’s right-hand man, and the former Rangers hero wants Van Gastel. But his ex-Feyenoord assistant is now the boss at Guangzhou City.
Van Gastel replaced Van Bronckhorst in charge of the Chinese Super League outfit when the Dutchman left in January. His deal at the Yuexiushan Stadium also runs until December.
Rangers fear Guangzhou City may now hold Van Gastel to his contract and delay their plans to hire Van Bronckhorst. As he is loath to have his backroom staff arrive in dribs and drabs.
Will Rangers miss out on Van Bronckhorst as manger amid Van Gastel concerns?
But Rangers are unlikely to miss out on appointing Van Bronckhorst as their new manager amid concerns over Van Gastel.
That’s because the Glasgow Times report the Dutchman is still on course to replace Gerrard at Ibrox.
Sporting director Ross Wilson is set to finalise his contract and return to Glasgow, 20-years after leaving the Gers as a player with two Premiership winners’ medals.
But it still remains to be seen if – or when – Van Gastel follows Van Bronckhorst to Rangers. With the 49-year-old potentially reuniting with his compatriot after following him to China.
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