Rangers-linked manager Frank Lampard was “secretly interviewed” ahead of Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, according to the Sun.
The tabloid is claiming that the Premier League side spoke to Lampard before taking the plunge on Stevie G and causing monumental upheaval at Ibrox.
The two were fierce rivals on the pitch – and teammates with England – with Lampard and Gerrard said to have rekindled their rivalry for the job at Villa Park.
But for whatever reason Aston Villa instead opted to move for now ex-Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and now Rangers are in the hunt for a new boss of their own.
Ex-Rangers midfielder Gio van Bronckhorst is the clear frontrunner for the job and there’s little doubt Gio is certainly a favourite amongst supporters.
But Rangers are said to be considering three main names for the role with van Bronckhorst leading the pack at the moment.
Frank Lampard not a Rangers candidate but was interviewed at Aston Villa
Whilst Frank Lampard is not believed to be one of these names, the ex-Chelsea and Derby County boss was extensively linked at the beginning of the manager hunt.
Lamps, 43, has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in January this year and has been mentioned alongside a host of roles.
Most recently – Rangers and Aston Villa aside – Lampard looked to be closing in on a move to Premier League relegation candidates Norwich City.
But whilst that move looked to be gathering pace, the legendary former midfielder pulled out of the running with ex-Villa boss Dean Smith now the man tasked with rescuing the Canaries’ Premier League status.
Rangers now continue to look for a replacement for Steven Gerrard as the news conversation continues around Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
A leading Scottish journalist has claimed that the former Holland captain and Feyenoord boss is about to “clinch” a move to Rangers.