BETTING has been suspended on Michael Beale becoming the next Rangers manager.

We revealed that Ibrox chiefs have now made an official approach to QPR to land Beale as the next permanent manager.

Rangers opened formal dialogue over holding talks with the former Ibrox coach in respect of the vacant dugout position.

And it's thought Beale is receptive to the opportunity to return to Ibrox to take the top job.

Now, certain bookmakers have stopped taking bets on huge odds-on favourite Beale to succeed Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The Dutchman was dismissed on Monday with Rangers nine points adrift at the top of the table and performances and results in recent months deemed unacceptable.

Stewart Robertson and Ross Wilson travelled to London to conduct the managerial search earlier this week - and it appears Beale is edging closer to a return.

The former Liverpool youth coach has been the front-runner for the job from the start and it's expected Rangers are closing in on sealing a move for their preferred candidate.

A MyBettingSites spokesperson said: “It’s been highly anticipated that Michael Beale will become the next Rangers manager and today we got a big indication that a move is close as some bookmakers have pulled the plug on taking bets on him to swap QPR for the Scottish champions.

“The new manager’s new job will be to address the nine-point gap to Celtic in the table, with a complete change in fortunes and unlikely title charge for Rangers 8/1 to succeed.”

Meanwhile, reports in Brazil claim Luis Castro has been contacted as an option to take charge at Rangers should talks with Beale fail.

It's been reported that the Botafogo boss has been contacted with regards to the possibility of Ibrox interest.

Goal journalist Raisa Simplício suggested initial contact has been made with the Botafogo manager but only as a backup option.

"Luís Castro, from Botafogo, was contacted by Rangers, from Scotland.

"The technician is an option if the negotiation with Michael Beale does not go through."

READ MORE: