A major development has emerged on the future of Rangers head coach Steven Gerrard...

What's the talk?

According to Birmingham Live reporter Ashley Preece, the Gers boss is set to join Premier League side Aston Villa before the end of the week.

The English outfit dismissed Dean Smith earlier this week and have now moved swiftly to swoop in on Gerrard, with Preece expecting it to be confirmed within the next two days.

He wrote: "Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa all but done as he finalises his backroom staff. I'm expecting an announcement within the next 24 to 48 hours if not sooner. Christian Purslow set to get his man."

Gutted

This update from Preece will surely leave Rangers fans feeling gutted. Unless there is a sudden late twist to the tale, Gers supporters are set to see their main man in the dugout depart for the Premier League 13 games into the Scottish Premiership season.

Rangers are on course to record a second successive title after winning the division in style last term under Gerrard's management, ending Celtic's domestic dominance of Scottish football. The Gers did not lose a single league match in the 2020/21 campaign and are currently on nine wins, three draws and one defeat after 13 games this term.

In that respect, Gerrard is leaving the club in a terrific position. He is not departing a side struggling at the bottom of the table or underperforming their expectations, but instead in a place where another manager has a great opportunity to come in and continue what he has started at Ibrox as they look to continue winning trophies ahead of their rivals.

However, that appears unlikely to dampen the sadness that will come with Gerrard leaving to join Villa. He has built strong foundations with supporters by winning the Premiership title last season and they will be gutted that he will not finish what he started and lift a second title - in front of a packed-out Ibrox this time around. That is why this update on his future will be devastating for Gers fans reading it.

If this report proves to be correct and Gerrard does join the Premier League side, it will be down to Rangers, particularly Ross Wilson, to alleviate the negative feelings in the fanbase by appointing a great replacement as quickly as possible.

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