A big twist has emerged in Rangers' search for a manager to replace Steven Gerrard at Ibrox this month...

What's the talk?

Dutchman Gio van Bronckhorst has reportedly held positive talks with the club over a deal and appeared set to take over the reins this week.

However, according to Go Radio, via Record Sport, the 46-year-old is not the only candidate and there are other coaches in contention for the role whose names are yet to enter the public domain.

The radio station quoted their source as saying there are: "really strong candidates, including candidates not mentioned in public domain."

Excitement

Rangers chief Ross Wilson could be about to shake up the search for a new manager and leave fans feeling excited following this update. Whilst van Bronckhorst appears to be the favourite at this moment in time, having held talks with the club, the prospect of an unknown coach who is a 'strong' candidate could whet appetites in Glasgow.

Although the mystery candidates remain unnamed, the fact they are strong alternatives to van Bronckhorst should delight Rangers fans. The Dutchman has an excellent C.V and a track record of winning trophies, indicating that the other options may have similar, or better, records in their respective careers.

Van Bronckhorst won five trophies in four years with Feyenoord in the Netherlands, winning the Eredivisie once and four domestic cups. This suggests that he has the quality as a head coach to arrive in Glasgow and continue Gerrard's fine work, keeping Celtic's hands off the title.

Therefore, what achievements do the other managers have that are making Wilson explore other avenues? He must have found some alluring coaches who may be able to come in and be a success at Ibrox. If that wasn't the case, they would, presumably, be going full-steam ahead with van Bronckhorst.

This is why fans will be intrigued but excited by this update as it may mean there is a big reveal to come in the next few days.

It will be interesting to see where Wilson takes the search this week, with a semi-final clash with Hibernian coming up on Sunday. Whilst fans can get excited about potential appointments now, they may start to get agitated if no one is in the door for that crucial match at the weekend.

AND in other news, Report issues promising behind the scenes Rangers update that'll leave fans delighted...