Danny Rohl edges closer to Rangers exit as Hearts boss Derek McInnes emerges as potential replacement

The Scotsman understands that the Austrians and Rangers remain in advanced discussions over compensation for Rohl, with the Govan outfit looking for seven-figure fee. Salzburg have identified the 37-year-old as the man they want to oversee a summer overhaul after finishing third in the Bundesliga and missing out on Champions League qualification.

While Rohl is not believed to be agitating for a switch to Salzburg, a move would allow the German to be closer to his family, who have remained in their homeland while he works in Glasgow.

Former Sheffield Wednesday boss Rohl joined Rangers in October last year and was given public backing by chairman Andrew Cavenagh last month. The Ibrox supremo is in the US right now and wants a swift conclusion to the approach so not to derail the club’s summer plans. Rohl has a contract until the summer of 2028 and should he leave, Cavenagh wants ample compensation.

Rangers already have contingency plans in place should Rohl depart and members of the Ibrox hierarchy are admirers of Hearts manager McInnes, who guided the Jambos to a second-placed finish in the Premiership this season - one spot ahead of Rangers.

McInnes turned down the top Ibrox job while in charge of Aberdeen in 2017, but that is not thought to be a stumbling block for the current Rangers regime should they require a new manager, with a keenness to instil a Scottish core within the club during the close season.

They have already signed Hearts captain and striker Lawrence Shankland this summer and have a shortlist compiled for potential candidates to replace Rohl - and McInnes is understood to be on it. The 54-year-old was minutes away from presiding over a fairytale title win with Hearts, only to be pipped by Celtic on the final day of the season. His work has not gone unnoticed at Ibrox.

McInnes is currently on holiday ahead of returning for pre-season training with Hearts later this month. The Tynecastle side have been active in the transfer window already, signing four new players - with more to follow. They have a Champions League second qualifying round match to negotiate in mid-July.

The Edinburgh Evening News - our sister title - reports that Hearts have not had any official contact from Rangers. A formal move for any potential new head coach will not be made unless negotiations with Salzburg come to a positive conclusion.

Rangers spoke to Steven Gerrard and Kevin Muscat about their managerial position last October after dispensing with Russell Martin, with Rohl eventually landing the job. He guided the team back into the title race before falling away after the split.

Some Rangers fans have agitated for change after such a limp ending to the season, but Rohl has kept the support of Cavenagh and his fellow directors. “Danny is our coach, we think that Danny gives us the best opportunity to win the league next year,” Cavenagh said last month.

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