RANGERS BOSS LATEST WEEKEND DEALIN'

Next 48 hours crucial as Gerrard edges closer to Ibrox return following talks with club chiefs

- BY ANDY NEWPORT AND SCOTT MCDERMOTT

RANGERS will continue talks with Steven Gerrard over the weekend as the former Ibrox boss edges closer to a sensational return to Glasgow.

Light Blues chiefs Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe held initial discussions with the title-winning gaffer in London on Thursday. And further sitdowns are planned for the coming days as the club's American owners continue the critical hunt for Russell Martin's replacement.

Chairman Cavenagh and his delegation are also understood to have met with rival candidates to Gerrard - including former Sheffield Wednesday coach Danny Rohl.

But Gerrard is undoubtedly the leading contender, with club insiders describing the talks so far with the 45-year-old "constructive".