Davide Ancelotti is believed to be the preferred candidate to take over Rangers

Davide Ancelotti is believed to be the preferred candidate to take over at Rangers as he prepares to split with his famous father Carlo for the first time in his managerial career.

The Scottish giants are in the midst of appointing a long-term successor for former head coach Philippe Clement, who was sacked by Rangers after 16 months in charge earlier this year.

Interim head coach Barry Ferguson has been helming the club for the remainder of the season, with the Scottish Premiership outfit trailing their loathed rivals Celtic at the top of the table by 17 points.

Among those under consideration by the club are former manager Steven Gerrard, and ex-Wolves boss Gary O'Neil.

But as per reports in Spain, Ancelotti Jnr is thought to be close to agreeing a deal to seal his move to the Ibrox.

Ancelotti has worked with his father since the start of his coaching career, first informally from 2012 during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, and after securing his UEFA A licence in 2016, as an established member of his backroom set-up.

Ancelotti Jnr has held assistant managerial roles at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and currently working under his father at Real Madrid.

But as per as, Ancelotti Jnr will not follow Ancelotti Snr to Brazil on a long-term basis following the announcement of his official appointment with the Selecao.

However, father and son will remain together for the beginning of his career in Latin America, with Ancelotti Jnr assisting his father's preparations for World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.

Should Ancelotti Jnr take up the role in Scotland, he is believed to be set to take fellow Real Madrid assistant coach Francesco Mauri with him as part of his set-up, with Carlo continuing his work with ex-assistant coach for Los Blancos Paul Clement.

Ancelotti Jnr is thought to be keen to step out on his after more than a decade working with his father, and is believed to have also been courted by Saudi Arabian sides.

Previously, teams thought to include Sevilla, RB Leipzig, and Roma are all thought to have mulled a move for Ancelotti Jnr, but found him unwilling to be prised away from his father's set-up.

Gazetta dello Sport has also reported that Serie A side Como could also be keen to secure the services of the 35-year-old - should current head coach Cesc Fabregas be snapped up by Bayer Leverkusen as they seek to replace incoming Real Madrid coach-in-waiting Xabi Alonso.

Should Ancelotti Jnr be given the nod at the Ibrox, that news could come as a disappointment to former manager Gerrard.

The Liverpool icon was filmed just last week professing his love for Rangers in a viral video filmed during a night out.

In a clip that has been widely circulated on social media, Gerrard was seen joking with a fan via a video call. Gerrard said: 'We f***ing love Rangers. F*** Debbie, I love Rangers.'

Gerrard managed Rangers from 2018 to 2021, ending Celtic's long reign with an unbeaten league season and finishing 25 points clear at the top.

He left in November 2021 to take over at Aston Villa but lasted just under a year before being sacked in October 2022.

The Liverpool legend then moved to Al Ettifaq in July 2023 but was dismissed in January with the team sitting 12th in the Saudi Pro League table.

Rangers are preparing early for the 2025–26 campaign, with the club's American takeover led by 49ers Enterprises close to completion.

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell has already been pictured at Ibrox meeting interim manager Ferguson.