One big-name manager who is thought to be the 49ers Enterprises’ top target is keen on becoming the new Rangers boss, according to a new claim.
Rangers under Ferguson as 49ers eye new permanent manager
The Gers are currently under the interim leadership of ex-captain Barry Ferguson after parting ways with Philippe Clement last month.
Ferguson has been tasked with managing Rangers until the end of the season, while off the pitch, the club are in the ongoing process of a takeover by the 49ers Enterprises.
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The 49ers have agreed a deal in principle to take charge at Ibrox and are looking to get it completed ahead of the new season. They have also discussed potential manager targets, and Rafael Benitez appears to be the top target to come in for Clement.
Earlier this month ‘sources close to the club claimed that Benitez is being discussed as the preferred option to take the Ibrox hotseat’, and now, a new update has emerged regarding Rangers and the former Liverpool, Newcastle, Chelsea and Everton boss.
Benitez keen on taking Rangers job, says ex-scout
Talking to Football Insider, ex-scout Mick Brown made a big claim on Benitez joining Rangers in the near future. He said that Benitez “wants” the Rangers job, although Brown feels he won’t be “among the leading candidates” despite previous reports.
“Rafa Benitez has put himself in the frame at Rangers. He still lives in the north-west [of England], and whenever a job has come up in this part of the world, he’s been mentioned in the running for it.
“It’s been a bit of a running joke, in all honesty. But I hear he is looking for a return to British football, and that Rangers job is one he’s looking at. He’s talking his way into it, so it doesn’t come as a surprise to me that he’s interested. He wants the job and would happily take the job.
“Whether Rangers see him as a real contender is a different matter, though. I don’t think he’s going to be among the leading candidates there, they’ll look at other options too because they’re still considering a number of potential managers.”
Real Madrid Castilla
1993-1995
Real Valladolid
1995-1996
Osasuna
1996
Extremadura
1997-1999
Tenerife
2000-2001
Valencia
2001-2004
Liverpool
2004-2010
Inter Milan
2010
Chelsea
2012-2013
Napoli
2013-2015
Real Madrid
2015-2016
Newcastle United
2016-2019
Dalian Professional
2019-2021
Everton
2021-2022
Celta Vigo
2023-2024
Should Benitez land the job in Glasgow, it would be his first spell as a manager in Scotland and his 16th different club during his 30-year career as a boss.
At the age of 64, Benitez seems keen on a return to the dugout after leaving La Liga side Celta Vigo 12 months ago, and by the looks of things, a move to Rangers appeals to him, making this one to watch over the coming months.