Rangers' refusal to sanction a move for Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet is claimed to have been a major factor in Steven Gerrard's decision to leave the Ibrox club.
Gerrard moved to Aston Villa in November, and the Scottish Daily Express reports that the refusal in August for Rangers to back a proposed £4m move for the Scotland internationalist - who has been ruled out for the rest of this season through injury - was a major catalyst.
Gerrard, who won Rangers' coveted 55th Premiership title last season, was also keen on a move to England to be closer to family.
The Express says a budget of £4m was handed to Gerrard ahead of this season, and he wanted to spend it all on Cambuslang man Nisbet, who is believed to have been keen on the move.
Hibs has already turned down an offer of £3.2million from Birmingham City for the striker, who cost them £300,000 from Dunfermline Athletic back in 2020.
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