Gerrard rejects Rangers in 'lifestyle' choice after discussing move with wife
Steven Gerrard is on the verge of officially withdrawing from the race to become the next Rangers manager, just hours after Dave King personally recommended him for the role.
It was reported last week that despite being the favourite with bookmakers to return to his former Ibrox position, Gerrard was actually facing a significant challenge in persuading his wife Alex that it was the right time for the family to leave their luxurious lifestyle in the Middle East.
However, former chairman King insisted on Wednesday that Gerrard should be seen as the clear frontrunner for the job, and encouraged the incoming new management to prioritise the Scouser over both Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin.
Despite King's late endorsement, sources in the region believe Gerrard has chosen to remain in Bahrain for at least another year and remove himself from contention to succeed Philippe Clement.
It's understood that Gerrard's team had initial talks with those leading the search for a new manager. But, as previously reported, he requested time to consider his options and discuss the potential move with his long-term partner, reports the Daily Record.
Now, it seems the couple have decided to stay put for at least another 12 months, in what is being described as a 'lifestyle' choice.
The decision is not believed to be related to tax implications, as Gerrard is now exempt from a multi-million pound HMRC penalty on the substantial earnings he accumulated during a two-year stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Etifaq.
However, it remains uncertain whether the 44-year-old former England captain is still awaiting severance payments or gardening leave compensation following his dismissal from the club.
Adding to the uncertainty, it's rumoured that Gerrard may be open to a future return to the Ibrox hot seat, but not at this particular juncture.
Speculation is rife in Merseyside that he could be a top contender for the role of assistant manager to Arne Slot, with the Dutch title-winning manager's current deputy, Johnny Heitinga, linked with the vacant managerial position at Ajax.
Whether the prospect of an emotional homecoming to Anfield might trigger a swift change of heart remains to be seen.
However, if Gerrard does remove himself from contention for the Rangers job, it appears to be a direct contest between Ancelotti and Martin, with incoming owner Andrew Cavenagh likely to make the final decision.
Cavenagh has tasked sporting director Kevin Thelwell and Gretar Steinsson of the San Francisco 49ers with leading the search for a new manager and narrowing down the list of potential candidates.
However, it's believed that the health insurance magnate is just days away from completing his multi-million pound acquisition of the club, and he will have the final say on who will spearhead the new era from the touchline.
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