Southampton’s managerial hunt narrows down as Steven Gerrard becomes ‘first choice’ at Rangers

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The managerial merry-go-round continues this summer, and we can exclusively reveal that Steven Gerrard looks likely to be out of the running to be the next Southampton manager.

Ever since parting ways with Ivan Juric in April, the Saints have been on the hunt for a new manager, with a number of different names linked with the post.

Steven Gerrard was suggested as an option for Southampton a month ago, but as is the case with football, things have developed and changed since then.

Now, as Southampton prepare for life in the Championship, we understand Gerrard is not going to be taking up the job there.

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Steven Gerrard closes in on Rangers job, domino effect to follow

In an EFL Analysis exclusive, we can reveal that Gerrard is now being lined up for a return to Rangers, where he coached between 2018 and 2021 before joining Aston Villa.

As per information from our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, we understand Gerrard is now “emerging as Rangers’ first choice” option.

He was on Southampton’s radar, as we first reported, but the Saints will now look elsewhere. As per our last report on the situation, Will Still is a top target for Southampton, while Danny Rohl remains in contention.

Meanwhile, former Southampton boss Russell Martin, who had applied for the Rangers job, remains an option for Leicester City.

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Comparing managerial stats for Southampton contenders

Gerrard may have struggled at Villa, but given his immense success North of the Border, it does make sense that Rangers would be considering taking him back.

His 2.15 points-per-game (PPG) record at Rangers, plus the SPL title he won with the club, has allowed him to be fondly remembered by fans up at Ibrox.

For Southampton, they now look at Still, who has earned a strong reputation in France at both Reims and Lens. His 43.24% win ratio this season has taken Lens to eighth-place in Ligue 1, and earned him plaudits throughout the game.

Still has been on Southampton’s radar for quite some time now, and given his personal circumstances, it looks like a move to England is on the cards this summer.

Meanwhile, Rohl is thought to prefer a return to Germany, and his actions of late have left Sheffield Wednesday in a ‘messy’ situation filled with uncertainty and animosity.

Rohl has a 38.2% win ratio at Sheffield Wednesday, which doesn’t quite match up to Still’s record in France, but certain caveats will have to be taken into account when comparing the Championship and the French leagues.

It’s also worth remembering that Southampton are keen on Frank Lampard, though it remains to be seen whether anything comes of that rumour this summer.