Next Rangers manager search LIVE as Farioli emerges as late contender to Ancelotti and Martin shootout

Rangers search for Philippe Clement's permanent successor at Ibrox has taken another twist - with a new name said to have joined the running on Thursday night.

Record Sport's exclusive that Steven Gerrard has dropped out of the race has left Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin as the two leading contenders to land the top job.

But reports elsewhere now claim that Ancelotti's compatriot Francesco Farioli has also held talks regarding the vacancy, just weeks after leaving Ajax following their disastrous run of form that saw them concede the Eredivisie title to rivals PSV Eindhoven.

With the 49ers Enterprises takeover at Ibrox now just days from being finalised, the new hierarchy will be looking to announce their next man in the dugout as soon as possible so that he can hit the ground running with pre-season for the new campaign just around the corner.

The search for the next Rangers manager is reaching it's final stages and you can follow all the latest news and updates RIGHT HERE.

With Rangers set to reconvene at Auchenhowie for the start of pre-season on June 23, getting a new manager in the door in advance of the players' return is essential for all concerned.

The imminent takeover from the 49ers Enterprises could coincide with a managerial appointment and the new man in the dugout will hope their financial backing will allow him to delve into the transfer market to improve the squad before he assesses what he already has at his disposal.

New Gers sporting director Kevin Thelwell will also be working hard on the recruitment side of things to provide the new manager with a list of potential new signings.

Francesco Farioli said he's good at 'seeing the storm before it comes' in his emotional farewell to Ajax –