Sutton’s belief that Rangers’ next manager is nailed on not shared by Calderwood

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Rangers are seeking a replacement for former Ibrox boss Pedro Caixinha.

Chris Sutton’s belief that Rangers’ next manager is nailed on is not shared by Jimmy Calderwood.

Sutton told BT Sport on Tuesday that Aberdeen’s Derek McInnes will succeed Pedro Caixinha at Rangers.

McInnes, a former Rangers midfielder, is rumoured to be the Ibrox side’s first choice for the role after his success at Pittodrie.

The 46-year-old has led Aberdeen to three second-place finishes and delivered one League Cup during his four years in charge.

But Calderwood, who managed the Dons over a similar period of time during the previous decade, has told the Press and Journal that because of that, it will be difficult for McInnes to leave.

“They are two great clubs,” said the 62-year-old. “He has that history with Rangers as a former player but it would be a hard one for him to leave Pittodrie. He has been a brilliant Aberdeen manager and I know he loves it there.

“It is going to be a very difficult one for him if Rangers decide he is the man they want. They have to ask the question first before he has to make that decision.

“If it was any other team, I don’t think Derek would go anywhere. Maybe because he is a Rangers man, who knows?

“He has a great relationship with Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne, who has backed him all the way. It is going to be so difficult for him to make that decision.

“I think he will be completely torn as Aberdeen have done a lot for him. They took a chance on him after things didn’t work out for him at Bristol City and he has repaid them by doing a magnificent job.”

And despite being a Rangers fan from Govan – according to his former player, Charlie Mulgrew [Scottish Sun] – Calderwood added the Ibrox side’s current problems could play a part in McInnes’ thinking.

“Derek has achieved a huge amount at Aberdeen which has not gone unnoticed,” he added, via the Press and Journal.

“Rangers are a great club but they are in turmoil and would require an overhaul. That is something he doesn’t have to do at Aberdeen, so he has a lot to weigh up should the chance come along.”

Rangers are likely to step up their pursuit of a new boss after this weekend’s round of matches, which is the last before a two-week break for internationals.