Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has been in discussions with 49ers Enterprises about a significant role, sparking speculation about a potential return to Ibrox. The Liverpool legend, who previously led Rangers to a Scottish Premiership title during his tenure in Glasgow, has been consistently linked with a comeback to the club.

Before Russell Martin took over the reins, it's believed that Gerrard was among the top contenders for the job, alongside Martin and Botafogo boss Davide Ancelotti, for incoming owners Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers.

However, Daily Record reported that Gerrard's representatives informed the new owners that he wasn't prepared to relocate his family back to the UK from the Middle East following his stint at Al-Ettifaq, leading him to withdraw from consideration.

Meanwhile, Leeds United coach Stewart Downing disclosed that he was once on the NFL investment group's radar at Elland Road before they appointed Daniel Farke.

Speaking to Flashscore, Downing said: "I was at Leeds last year and there were a lot of rumours about him coming in there and at the time I thought Leeds would be a good fit.

"Not too far from his home. Big club, big expectations, a bit like Rangers if you like in terms of the pressure because Leeds have a big fan base and big demands.

"I know they definitely did speak to him before Farke got the job. It was him, Scott Parker and Farke. Farke got the job probably on his experience of getting teams promoted, which has been proven right. He's done a good job there."

The remarks arrive as manager Martin faces mounting pressure following a crushing 3-1 Champions League reverse against Club Brugge at Ibrox.

The ex-Southampton chief is still searching for his maiden Premiership triumph ahead of Saturday's clash with St Mirren - before a pivotal week for the club.

Wednesday's second leg of the £40million league phase battle with Brugge will be followed by the Old Firm derby against Celtic.

Bookmakers sense the heat intensifying after supporters staged a walkout from the European first leg on 21 minutes with Rangers 3-0 down - leaving Gerrard and Barry Ferguson as early favourites to succeed Martin.

An AceOdds representative commented: "With Russell Martin under pressure after Rangers suffered a 3-1 home defeat in their Champions League qualifier tie with Club Brugge on Tuesday night, Steven Gerrard is the favourite to return to Ibrox, according to the bookies.

"Gerrard, who led Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title in 2020/21, is the 9/4 front-runner to succeed Martin. Barry Ferguson, who was in the Rangers hot seat on an interim basis last season, is the 7/2 second-favourite while former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl is also in contention for the job at 4/1."

However, Ibrox legend Ally McCoist has pointed the finger at the present squad - insisting an "inferiority complex" has developed within the changing room regarding the championship battle with Celtic. However, he admits that the owners will have to "monitor the situation" with Martin if results don't improve.

McCoist told football betting site talkSPORT Bet: "They are having a struggle to start the season.

"I don't mind him making his views crystal clear [on the squad] and having a pop because it lets his players know in no uncertain terms what the demands are of them from him, I have no problem with that.

"They want that league title back. I don't know whether it is a mindset within the players, it is anything but an inferiority complex, it is whether they think they can just rock up in the league and win, it is not the case.

"He is going to have to get the new signings together, and the old core of the players that have been there, and say to them it's all well and good getting results union Europe but if you are back in Scotland and playing against Motherwell, Dundee, whatever - these are must-win games.

"If you want to win the league, they are already four points behind Celtic after two games, he will be given time and he should be, we are just going to have to monitor the situation and hopefully get a change in the psyche and results.

"He will always be under pressure, when you manage Rangers and Celtic you always are."