Kevin Muscat now frontrunner for Rangers job: Decision within 48 hours

Kevin Muscat is now believed to be in pole position for the vacant managerial position at Rangers, according to several sources.

The Ibrox club’s hunt for a new boss has taken another twist in the past 24 hours, with former treble-winning Gers player Kevin Muscat supplanting Danny Rohl as the favourite to succeed Russell Martin.

Steven Gerrard had initially been the preferred option by Rangers chiefs, but the 2021 Premiership winner surprisingly turned down a return to Glasgow despite positive talks with the hierarchy.

Former Sheffield Wednesday boss Rohl then emerged as the top choice, having left club directors impressed during discussions over the position. The German has been keen on a ‘big’ job since the summer and is understood to be chomping at the bit to start at Ibrox.

If given the nod, Rohl would reportedly look to bring in a former Gers player as part of his backroom staff, but it now appears as though this won’t be necessary as Rangers could also opt to appoint ex-midfielder Muscat instead.

Muscat has unfinished business in Europe

According to talkSPORT and Rangers podcast Four Lads Had A Dream, the English-born Australian is becoming the new favourite for the job, with the latter reporting that ‘this has moved quickly.’

Muscat’s inclusion on Rangers’ shortlist was only revealed on Monday evening, but the direction of travel now appears to be heavily in his favour. A national champion in Australia, Japan and China, the 52-year-old’s selling point is that he wants instant success and is not a ‘project manager’ like Martin or Rohl.

Muscat will also feel that he has unfinished business in Europe after being unceremoniously sacked just six months into a stint with Belgian side Sint-Truiden in what has been his only coaching position outside of Asia and Australia to date.

The tough-as-nails former player is currently in charge of Shanghai Port, with whom he sits at the summit of the Chinese Super League with four games to go. It is understood that, if chosen, he would be allowed to finish the CSL campaign, with Neil McCann taking temporary charge of Rangers.

A decision is expected to be made within the next 48 hours. Club chiefs don’t want to waste any more time, and all the signs are now pointing to a quick appointment of Muscat.

Football transfer news headlines today

Official: Chelsea announce three new wonderkid signings

Myles Lewis-Skelly at risk? Arsenal uncertainty looms as Arteta targets ANOTHER defender

Real Madrid POACH ‘New Messi’ from Man Utd

Fabrizio Romano confirms ‘99 per cent’ chance of Man Utd transfer

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store