Rangers are preparing for a potential managerial change, with current boss Danny Röhl anticipated to complete a move to RB Salzburg in the coming days. The Ibrox club is currently in discussions with the Austrian side regarding a deal for Röhl, who only took charge of Rangers last October. The 37-year-old previously began his coaching career within the broader RB network at Leipzig, making a return to the organisation a logical step.
Should Röhl's departure materialise, attention is expected to turn swiftly to Derek McInnes, the current manager of Hearts. McInnes, a former Rangers player, guided the Edinburgh club to an impressive second-place finish in the Scottish Premiership last season. Hearts narrowly missed out on what would have been their first title since 1960 on the final day, following a defeat at Celtic Park. McInnes took over at Hearts in the summer of 2025 after leaving Kilmarnock and was subsequently named Scotland's manager of the year within 12 months.
This is not the first time McInnes has been linked with the Rangers hot seat. He famously rejected the opportunity to manage the club in 2017. While his current intentions remain unconfirmed, it would be considered a significant surprise if the 54-year-old were to decline the Ibrox role for a second time. Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the position.
The timing of any approach for McInnes would be unwelcome for Hearts, particularly given recent developments. Rangers have already secured the signing of Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, who exercised his right to leave Tynecastle as a free agent at the end of the season. Despite the potential disruption, Hearts' overall reputation and profile have received a boost through the involvement of Tony Bloom and Jamestown Analytics at the club, suggesting a robust foundation.
Röhl's potential move to Salzburg, a club with strong European pedigree, highlights the growing trend of young, dynamic coaches being sought after by prominent clubs across the continent. For Rangers, securing a manager with a proven track record in Scottish football, such as McInnes, could offer stability and an understanding of the domestic landscape.