The race to become the next Rangers manager has been dominated by chatter surrounding the likes of Steven Gerrard and Marco Rose.
There have been conflicting reports surrounding a potential return for Gerrard, with some claiming Rangers are eyeing a clean slate whilst others believe the Scouser is a legitimate target.
Rose’s Celtic connections have raised eyebrows, while the jury remains out on the likes of Russell Martin, Sean Dyche and Danny Rohl as potential alternatives.
But now one name who is routinely mentioned in the Rangers manager running is set to be approached by one team of Scottish Premiership rivals, just hours after taking aim at Barry Ferguson’s Rangers team.
Premiership rivals to launch Derek McInnes bid amid £9.8m investment
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes certainly isn’t the most glamorous choice to become the next Rangers manager.
The former Ibrox midfielder, 53, is one of the nation’s most experienced managerial operators and once again looks set to secure safety at Rugby Park this season.
McInnes famously turned Rangers down in late 2017 following the sacking of Pedro Caixinha and has been perennially linked to the Ibrox gig ever since.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers even tipped McInnes to take the reins at Rangers at one stage in the former Aberdeen boss’ career, branding the coach an ‘outstanding manager’.
But with Rangers’ managerial intentions still unclear, STV are reporting that Scottish Premiership rivals Hearts are set to launch a bid to make McInnes their new boss.
The report claims that Hearts have made McInnes their ‘number one target’ after sacking Neil Critchley, with £9.8m investment from Brighton owner Tony Bloom on the horizon at Tynecastle.
Derek McInnes slaughters lacklustre Rangers and brands Ibrox side ‘too easy’
Derek McInnes admitted he is ‘aware’ of the speculation surrounding Hearts following Kilmarnock’s 3-2 win over Dundee but refused to be drawn on the chatter.
The former Rangers midfielder and Aberdeen manager was also part of the Sky Sports panel for the Ibrox side’s 4-0 victory over the Dons in Glasgow.
While McInnes once again refused to be drawn on the links, the former Rangers star took aim at Barry Ferguson’s lacklustre side and claimed that they are ‘too easy’ to score goals against.
”I think James Tavernier spoke about the squad being young and inexperienced,” McInnes said. “I think that does play a part.
”The quality of player, as mentioned earlier, is vital for a club like Rangers and I don’t think it’s been there, certainly defensively.
”You always feel there’s goals in the Rangers team. They’ve got strong performers in the top end of the pitch.
”But they are a bit too easy to score against at times from open plays and set plays.”
