Steven Gerrard expected to be confirmed as Rangers manager on Friday

Steven Gerrard is close to being confirmed as the new Rangers manager, reports have claimed.

The former Liverpool midfielder, who has been in a coaching role with the Anfield club's youth set-up this season, was first linked with the manager's post at Rangers last week. On punditry duty for BT Sport as they covered Liverpool's Champions League semi-final with Roma on Wednesday night, Gerrard confirmed he had held discussions with the Glasgow club, adding that further talks were scheduled. The Daily Record reports that the former England captain flew directly from Rome to London on Thursday where he met with Rangers officials. He is said to have shaken hands on a deal to move to Glasgow, agreeing a three-year contract to replace Graeme Murty. The same report, along with Sky Sports, suggests that Gerrard could be confirmed as manager at Ibrox on Friday. Gerrard is said to have been seeking assurances on the size and scale of the transfer budget he would receive should he accept Rangers' offer. After being promised fresh investment in the squad, the 37-year-old appears to have agreed terms and is expected to appoint former Liverpool teammate Gary McAllister as his assistant.