ASTON VILLA "secretly interviewed" Frank Lampard ahead of appointing Steven Gerrard as their new manager, according to reports.

Gerrard landed the Villa Park gig last week and is set to take charge of his first game for his new side this weekend.

The Sun are now reporting that Villa held talks with Lampard ahead of Gerrard's appointment, but the Liverpool legend came out on top ahead of the Chelsea hero.

Rangers fans continue to wait for their new manager to be appointed as Giovanni van Bronckhorst looks set to take on the role.

The former Gers, Arsenal and Barcelona player is thought to head a three-man shortlist to replace Steven Gerrard.

Club sources stated on Tuesday that there were candidates whose names have not been mentioned in the public domain.

Former Everton and Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman subsequently appeared high up in the betting for the role although some reports say he is not under consideration.

Van Bronckhorst has appeared the obvious choice from the start given his association with Ibrox and his previous managerial success.

The 46-year-old led Feyenoord to their first Dutch title in 18 years in 2017 and also enjoyed two KNVB Cup triumphs.

He is available immediately after ending a 12-month spell in China at the end of last year.