Former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard has confirmed he will not return for a second stint as manager of Rangers.

The 45-year-old had been considered the leading candidate to succeed Russell Martin, who was sacked last weekend after just four months in charge, with the Scottish Premiership side winning only one of their opening seven league matches.

Sources indicated that, following constructive discussions, Gerrard concluded that the timing was not right for a return to Ibrox.

Gerrard previously managed Rangers from 2018 to 2021, guiding the club to the Scottish Premiership title in the 2020/21 season before leaving to manage Aston Villa. He most recently departed Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq in January.

Other names reportedly in contention for the Rangers managerial role include Hearts manager Derek McInnes, former Rangers player Kevin Muscat, and ex-Everton boss Sean Dyche.