Rangers are ready to step up their interest in Michael Beale as the Ibrox men prepare to make a formal approach, according to a report.
The former Light Blues No2 is the top candidate to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst after the club decided to axe the Dutchman on Monday. Results of late had not met the expectations of the board or supporters and ultimately proved the downfall of the 47-year-old. They went into the World Cup break trailing Celtic by nine points at the top of the table after dropped points against Livingston, St Johnstone and St Mirren.
The search for a new manager started immediately after the axing and it is understood Gers chiefs are now ready to step up their interest over the next 24 hours as they bid to land their top target report the Scottish Sun. The same publication claims there has been NO official contact between the clubs yet but a move is in the pipeline. Ross Wilson and Stewart Robertson have been in London the past couple of days with it believed that Beale - who worked under Steven Gerrard and helped the club with title No55 and end Celtic's ten-in-a-row bid - wants the job in what would be a sensational return.
READ MORE: Malik Tillman in Rangers rally cry as he signs off social media post with 'We Are The People'
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletter for more headlines straight to your inbox
Beale became the frontrunner after the likes of Gerrard, Sean Dyche and Kevin Muscat had all been mentioned as potential candidates for the top job. Rangers return to training on Monday after a short break as they prepare for the second half of the season.
A club statement on Van Bronckhorst's sacking read: "Rangers Football Club confirms today it has parted company with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The board would like to put on record sincere thanks to Gio for all his efforts since his appointment as manager.
"Arriving at the club just over a year ago, Gio led the club to a fifth European final and won the Scottish Cup last May. He also led the team to the club’s first Champions League qualification in 12 years.
"Unfortunately, results and performances over recent months haven’t met expectations and the decision was made today by the board to terminate the contract of the manager.
"The search for the new manager is now underway."
READ NEXT:
- Rangers' season simulated with Gerrard, Beale, Dyche and Muscat in charge with interesting results
- Steven Gerrard told Rangers return would be mistake as Glen Johnson makes 'lit firework' claim
- Gio van Bronckhorst Rangers sacking 'inevitable' says ex-Ibrox star as he makes 'feel sorry' claim
- Michael Beale favourite for Rangers job with Kevin Muscat and Sean Dyche also in running
