Steven Gerrard shares passionate Rangers claim in new message as talks lined up

Rangers' pursuit of Steven Gerrard as their next permanent manager could be a step closer after he expressed his "love" for the Ibrox club.

Gerrard is the only Rangers manager to break Celtic's Premiership hegemony since the Bears returned to the top-flight in 2016, and the Light Blues are yet to lift a title since he departed for Aston Villa in 2021.

Rangers will be under new ownership once 49ers Enterprises complete their buyout, and Football Insider revealed in March that they will make a decision on Rangers' new manager at this season's conclusion.

Football Insider has learned that Gerrard is among the contenders to be the next Rangers manager, as they step up their search for a permanent successor to Barry Ferguson at the end of the season.

The former Light Blues boss is expected to be among multiple managers who will hold talks with the club's hierarchy when the 49ers' takeover deal is wrapped up at Ibrox in the coming weeks.

Steven Gerrard 'loves Rangers' amid potential Ibrox return

Football Insider revealed on 3 May that Gerrard had emerged as the favourite to become the 49ers' maiden appointment at Ibrox, as Rangers' new owners prepare to hit the ground running in Glasgow.

Meanwhile, Gerrard has shared his own "love" and admiration for his former club, amid speculation that he's the first managerial choice of 49ers Enterprises at Rangers.

A selection of videos recorded by an apparent Celtic fan has appeared online, in which Gerrard said; "we love Rangers, I love Rangers", as well as another clip where the 44-year-old said: "Up the Teddy Bears".

Former Man United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in February that Gerrard is "open to a return" to Ibrox after leaving Al-Ettifaq the month prior, and his latest comments suggest that to be the case.

Rangers ready to give next manager significant backing

Regardless of if Gerrard re-takes the reins at Ibrox once the 49ers' takeover is completed this summer, Football Insider has revealed that Rangers' next manager is set to be given a £25million transfer budget.

Ex-RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose has joined Gerrard as a front-runner and 49ers' links to Red Bull could prove crucial in their approach for the German, but the new Gers owners have kept the cards close to his chest.

Rangers fans had a mixed response to reports that Gerrard could displace Philippe Clement prior to the Belgian's dismissal, but supporters would certainly look forward to a Gerrard-led Light Blues side backed by the financial might of 49ers Enterprises.