Rangers reportedly ready to appoint Championship-linked manager out of his current contract

As per BBC Sport Scotland, Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has emerged as Rangers’ first-choice to replace the departed Pedro Caixinha, and earnest move to have him on board will be made during the week.

The former Gers star has been one of the best managers in the land since taking over at Pittodrie, leading the Dons to consecutive 2nd-placed finishes in the league in the last 3 terms, and also winning the 2014 Scottish League Cup.

The 46-year-old has a deal with Aberdeen until 2020, but Rangers are willing to buy out his contract, and will do so once he agrees to move.

Rangers are hoping they land a manager able to make them worthy competitors to Celtic, and McInnes, though he played down the Ibrox links on Friday, remains one of the best men for the job.

The former St Johnstone and Bristol City boss attracted interests from English Championship side Sunderland during the summer, but he chose to extend his stay with the Dons by signing a new deal.

Rangers are currently 3rd on the league table after 11 games – 5 and 6 points behind Aberdeen and Celtic respectively, and a lot of expectations will be on the Caixinha’s successor to help fire them to a 2nd placed finish come May.