Michael Beale is currently odds-on to become the next Rangers manager after the Ibrox club sacked Giovanni van Bronckhorst this week.

The former Gers assistant is currently boss at QPR and it is understood a formal approach will be made in the coming days.

Beale is said to be interested in the position and if a deal can be agreed he will be announced during the World Cup break ahead of the Scottish Premiership return.

Another Rangers representative at Loftus Road is former defender Leon Balogun. He was released by the club over the summer and they have missed his defensive qualities both in Europe and domestically this season.

Ibrox legend Ally McCoist has spoken previously of his shock that Rangers let Balogun go, especially with Van Bronckhorst struggling with defensive injuries over the course of this campaign.

Beale quickly snapped up Balogun when he was released by Rangers as the Nigerian international penned a one-year deal at QPR.

Balogun is out of contract in the summer, meaning he is free to speak to clubs about a pre-contract agreement in January.

A lot of agreements need to fall into place, but Balogun could certainly be a handy addition for Rangers again given their current defensive injury problems.

Filip Helander, John Souttar, Connor Goldson and Leon King all had problems as the Premiership shutdown for the World Cup break.

Meanwhile, Clint Hill has backed  Beale to be a success at Rangers if he completes a move back to Ibrox. 

He said: “Michael Beale has done very well at QPR in the short time that he’s been there as the manager.

“He lost a few players through injury, but the first team he’s put together can all compete very well.

“Like every other club in that division, the strength and depth of your squad will ultimately determine where you end up in the league.

“Beale’s done a very reasonable job there, and if you are a QPR fan you will be gutted if he does go.

“There have been all sorts of rumours going about with regards to the release fee and whether QPR will be happy with that. They will be sorry to lose him, that’s for sure. It’s not ideal because they have had Wolves banging on the door a couple of weeks ago.

“They probably thought they had kept him, but now a bigger club has come knocking.

“Beale must like the Rangers squad and the players who are available to him.

“I know they have added a couple in, but the core of what he worked with before is still there so he must like to work with them.

“I have seen bits and pieces of QPR playing this season. They are very attacking, very possession-based.

“It suited the players that he had there.

“Going to Rangers he has to find a way to win. If you win you’ll be successful.

“So if he does go there, and it’s all signed and delivered, then it will be a really great opportunity for him.”

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