Rangers could be set to receive a huge blow this summer as Leeds United have reportedly shortlisted Steven Gerrard as a potential replacement for Marcelo Bielsa should the Argentinian depart Elland Road in the coming months.
Speaking on Ask Ornstein, The Athletic's Phil Hay name-checked Gerrard when discussing the Yorkshire club's potential successors for Bielsa this summer, as despite an impressive campaign back in the Premier League, the legendary manager's contract is currently set to expire at the end of the season.
The Whites are currently on track for a top 10 finish in the Premier League, having emphatically won the Championship title last season, so many Leeds fans would undoubtedly be disappointed if Bielsa were to leave.
However, given Gerrard's impressive record at Rangers, he could prove to be an excellent replacement for the 65-year-old at Elland Road, and a return to the Premier League might just tempt the former Liverpool captain away from Ibrox.
Since being appointed in May 2018, Gerrard has helped transform the Gers, sealing their 55th league title earlier in the season after a superb campaign which has seen them remain unbeaten in the top flight with just four league games remaining.
The Light Blues also impressed in the Europa League, reaching the round of 16 before falling to a 2-0 defeat at home to Slavia Prague, and his European experience would likely make him an attractive candidate for a lot of clubs in the future.
Whilst you would hope that the prospect of managing Rangers in the Champions League next season would be enough to convince Gerrard to stay, the more success he enjoys at Ibrox, the more foreign clubs are going to take notice.
Earlier in the season, former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp was full of praise for Gerrard, saying: “A lot of people down here have been paying attention to the job Stevie has done because he’s done amazing.”
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Therefore, it would be a huge blow for Rangers chairman Douglas Park if Leeds were able to tempt Gerrard with an offer this summer, as it is difficult to see a new manager coming in and replicating the 40-year-old's successes at Ibrox.
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