Francesco Farioli ‘holds talks’ with Rangers as former Ajax boss lays ‘demanding’ intentions on the table

The fiery Italian has emerged as a surprise contender to take over at Ibrox

Rangers have reportedly held talks with former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli as another name enters the frame for the Ibrox job.

Gers are on the hunt for their next manager with Davide Ancelotti the current frontrunner, while Russell Martin is in contention but Steven Gerrard looks a long shot for now due to family reasons.

The Record Sport team on tonight’s Hotline Live teased that a new name may be about to enter the frame, however, and it’s now emerged that Farioli is another who has held talks.

He signed a three-year deal with Ajax in May 2024 and initially looked well on course to win the Eredivisie before a dramatic late collapse led to his exit earlier this month, citing differences with the board.

Farioli previously spoke to the club around the time Michael Beale was appointed in November 2022, and linked with the Celtic job when they appointed Brendan Rodgers for a second spell.

He previously managed Alanyaspor in Turkey and Nice in France.

And now The Herald say he’s one of the names Rangers have spoken to over the vacant post.

Farioli said he had no regrets over how his time at Ajax ended in emotional scenes after the game but walked out and has made it clear he wants back into the game soon.

The 36-year-old said earlier this month: “I do want to get back into coaching. Just like it was with Ajax, I don’t care about the brand or the size of the club. What matters to me is how things are done, and last summer Ajax was exactly what I was looking for.

“It was the right step for my career, and now we’ll see what comes next. We’ll see if and when that opportunity arrives.