EXIT KOPPEN: Rangers technical director Nils Koppen is first high-profile departure from Ibrox following US takeover … with Everton’s Dan Purdy set to take his place

Nils Koppen is poised to be the first high-profile departure from Rangers following the completion of the American takeover last week.

The Belgian will step down from his role as technical director in the coming days after just 18 months in Glasgow.

Kevin Thelwell starts his new job as sporting director on Monday. Dan Purdy is set to fill the role that Koppen will vacate having worked alongside Thelwell at Everton.

It’s believed that Koppen will remain at Ibrox to help with the transition, but will then move on.

The development follows an external review of all of Rangers’ football operations, which chief executive Patrick Stewart announced in January.

Koppen, who was formerly PSV Eindhoven’s head scout, joined the Ibrox club as director of football recruitment under Philippe Clement before moving into his broader role last November.

Koppen is to be replaced at Ibrox by Dan Purdy, pictured above left, with Kevin Thelwell at Everton

Belgian Koppen is the first high-profile departure from Ibrox following American takeover

Koppen is flanked by chief executive Patrick Stewart, left, and former Rangers manager Philippe Clement during the Glasgow Cup final last December

While he was credited with recruiting Hamza Igamane and Vaclav Cerny, there were misgivings about his overall record in the two full transfer windows that he oversaw, with Rangers ultimately finishing the season 17 points behind Celtic.

It appears that the responsibility of identifying possible signings will now fall to Purdy. 

He enjoyed a close working relationship with Thelwell at Goodison Park, where he had a number of analytical and scouting roles.

Rangers are now looking to overhaul their playing squad after health tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and his partners from the San Francisco 49ers completed their £75million Ibrox takeover.

They immediately pledged to make £20m available to upgrade the first team via the purchase of freshly-issued shares.

Thelwell, who has been working behind the scenes, will firstly prioritise securing a new manager.

Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin are the two main contenders.

Despite interest from other clubs in Europe, Ancelotti, son of legendary manager Carlo, has told Rangers he is desperate to start his career in management with them.

Nils Koppen’s exit follows an external review of all of Rangers’ football operations

Kevin Thelwell officially begins his new role as sporting director of Rangers on Monday

Martin looked set to fall out of the race last week when Leicester City lined him up as a replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy.

However, with the Foxes yet to axe the Dutchman following their relegation from the Premier League, Martin is still very much in contention to succeed Barry Ferguson as manager.

Former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli and ex-Feyenoord manager Brian Priske are also in the running but are thought to be very much outsiders.