Ibrox Sources: Dave King reacts to PL club approach for Rangers man
By Wayne Veysey
Dave King and the Rangers board are confident Steven Gerrard will not quit Rangers this summer to take over at Newcastle United, Football Insider has learned.
The club hierarchy are aware that the Premier League big hitters are readying an approach for Gerrard as they step up their search to replace Rafael Benitez.
As revealed by Football Insider last week, Newcastle are weighing up a move for the Light Blues boss as they look at a younger profile of manager as well as more tried and trusted targets.
Ibrox sources have told Football Insider that King and the board are convinced Gerrard is totally committed to Rangers and overseeing a second campaign from the dugout.
The club chiefs recognise Newcastle are a major Premier League club but believe the uncertainty over the ownership and Mike Ashley's lack of ambition will ensure the Liverpool icon stays put.
Gerrard, 39, is about to embark on his second season at Rangers after a sold first year in which the club finished second in the league, made notable progress but failed to end their trophy drought and once again were well adrift of treble winners Celtic.
The former midfielder has been backed by the club's hierarchy in this summer's market and seven new signings have already been secured, including the impressive recent captures of centre-back George Edmundson and goalscoring midfielder Joe Aribo.
Gerrard has made no secret of his ambition to eventually manage in the Premier League, with his dream to take over one day at Anfield.
But Rangers are convinced he wants to properly learn his trade at Ibrox and not follow former England teammate Frank Lampard in walking out after one season, at Derby County, as he heads to Chelsea.