Major update on Michael Beale to Hull City as ex-Rangers boss namechecked by owner
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FORMER Rangers boss Michael Beale has been in talks over a stunning return to management - 15 months after he was axed by Sunderland.
The ex-Gers gaffer and coach is one of several names on Hull City's shortlist to replace Ruben Selles after his dismissal last week.
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Michael Beale hasn't managed a club since he was axed by Sunderland
Credit: Reuters
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He was sacked by Rangers and Sunderland in the same season
Credit: PA
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He has been Steven Gerrard's right-hand man at several clubs
Credit: Getty
We told you yesterday how Beale, 44, had interviewed for the role with chiefs in the process of whittling down their candidates.
Club owner Acun Ilicali has been leading the search alongside newly-appointed head of recruitment Martin Hodge and Mustapha Yokes.
It was understood that both Beale and Turkey legend Emre Belozoglu - who is currently the manager of Antalyaspor - are both on the board's radar.
Now Ilicali has confirmed that is indeed the case, with the pair high up on the shortlist.
However, the 55-year-old has stated that NEITHER of them is the frontrunner to replace Selles.
He's suggested that a move for Beale is unlikely as another candidate - who remains nameless - is his preferred option at this stage.
Speaking to Hull Live, he said: "I don't want to mention too much about the possibility of the managers because I don't feel good when I'm talking about managers on behalf of the managers, like it is possible, it is not possible.
"It is like me judging them. I believe all the managers we are talking to are very good managers. I think Emre is a top manager. Michael Beale, when you speak to him, you understand that he knows so much about the game.
"We have football minds in the club that will decide about this manager, and I cannot say at the moment to you that this one is like this or this one is like this.
"What I can say is that I'm very hopeful to finish the deal in one week.
Robert Grieve & Bill Leckie have the very latest on the Rangers manager situation as Steven Gerrard & Russell Martin emerge as front-runners
"Yes (there are other potential candidates), because you only hear about two of our candidates.
Beale has also been linked with a sensational return to Ibrox this summer - as Steven Gerrard's right-hand man once again.
The Liverpool legend is the favourite to be appointed the next Rangers manager and Beale has been his number two throughout most of his managerial career to date.
He worked with him at Rangers, Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq.
But it's likely many fans will be against Beale returning for a third spell should Gerrard get the job after his disastrous spell as the leading man in the dugout when he replaced Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
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