Rangers can forget Rohl by immediately hiring the best manager in the league

Just when it looked like Rangers’ project was beginning to show signs of life ahead of next season, Danny Rohl could be bidding farewell.

The German has attracted interest from Red Bull Salzburg, who are already in direct contact with the 49ers over a swift move.

This comes in the middle of the Gers’ transfer business, which has already seen Lawrence Shankland arrive and several other names enter their radar.

Now, however, they may have little choice but to focus on a managerial change.

Who could replace Danny Rohl at Rangers?

Since the news broke that Salzburg are pushing to hire Rohl, Ibrox chiefs will have been sifting through notes on the hunt for their last managerial shortlist, which was created less than a year ago.

The biggest challenge for the top clubs in Scotland right now seems to be finding a long-term option in the technical area.

Celtic went from Brendan Rodgers to Martin O’Neill to Wilfried Nancy then back to O’Neill. Rangers, meanwhile, sacked Russell Martin before appointing Rohl and could now be in the market for his replacement.

They’re not too short on potential options this time around, however. There’s no doubt that Steven Gerrard will be one to watch again. Talks broke down between the former manager and the 49ers last time, but things are far more settled at Ibrox these days.

If anyone has the know-how to take Rangers back to Scottish Premiership victory, it is the man who last achieved exactly that back in the 21/22 campaign.

Another option is Kevin Muscat. The former Rangers player has been on the Gers’ radar for quite some time and could finally head back to Scotland at the third time of asking.

Neither of those names should be the club’s top choice, however. Having already stolen Shankland from under their noses, Rangers should land one final blow by hiring Hearts boss Derek McInnes.

Why Rangers should do everything to hire McInnes

There are many ways that Rangers could get back above Hearts next season as they look to challenge Celtic, but the most ruthless way would be to take their captain and then their manager.

Stage one of that plan is already complete. Shankland has completed his dream move at a bargain price.

Now, McInnes could be next if Rohl heads for Salzburg. It’s an appointment which would steal every headline in Scotland and leave Rangers in their best position since Gerrard to win the Premiership.

The Hearts boss was named Manager of the Year in Scotland last season and there is little doubt that he has been the best in the league over the last 12 months. If Ibrox chiefs are looking closer to home, he is the standout candidate.

McInnes provides the balance that Rohl has so far failed to provide in the Scottish Premiership. Last season, his Hearts side, in his 4-4-2 system, came close to history before Celtic secured dramatic victory on the final day and they did so in their own way.

Luring the manager away from Tynecastle won’t be an easy task, but Rangers would be foolish not to try.

Some may have deemed a deal for Shankland impossible after the last campaign. He’s now set to line up at Ibrox next season and could be joined by his former manager.