Rangers hope to confirm Steven Gerrard as their new manager on Friday, after successful discussions on Thursday took the former Liverpool captain to the verge of accepting the Ibrox post.

Rangers, who believed a week ago that Gerrard could be coaxed north to begin his career in management, now sense only formalities are to be completed. Gerrard headed straight from his midweek Champions League punditry work for BT Sport to continue talks with Rangers, including the chairman Dave King, in London.

The 37-year-old is believed to be enthused by the prospect of firstly narrowing the gap between Rangers and Celtic, before attempting an assault on the Scottish title.

Gerrard is expected to name the former Scotland captain Gary McAllister as part of his coaching staff. Barring a late and sensational change in circumstances, which nobody at Ibrox anticipates, Gerrard will accept the role left vacant when Pedro Caixinha was sacked last October. The Champions League winner is expected to sign a three-year contract.

Graeme Murty managed Rangers on an interim basis from then until this week, with the 5-0 defeat by Celtic on Sunday leading to Murty being relieved of his duties. Rangers announced Jimmy Nicholl and Jonatan Johansson would preside over the team for the closing three games of this season.