Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is the current bookie’s favourite to replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle United.

Betfair and four other leading bookmakers have placed the 41-year-old at the top of their list of early contenders, with the Magpies poised for a takeover from a Saudi state-backed consortium.

Gerrard (4/1) is ahead of former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte (5/1) in the runners and riders, with ex-Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe (6/1), Everton’s Rafa Benitez and Frank Lampard (both 10/1) making up the top five.

At the time of writing, the takeover has not been officially announced but it is believed to be imminent, with current owner Mike Ashley set to sell his stake in the English Premier League side.

Whether Gerrard would be interested in moving to Tyneside, it isn’t known. The Scouser has made a home for himself in Scotland over the past three years but Newcastle could soon be the richest club in the United Kingdom. We shall see how things develop.