Former Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is on the shortlist to return to management at La Liga side Villarreal.

The ex-Ibrox manager rejected a chance to take charge of homeland club Utrecht this week because he wanted a new challenge at a European club.

And he will reportedly hold talks with Villarreal after they sacked Quique Setien this week after three losses and just one win into the new season in Spain.

Villarreal tried to entice former River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo to the job, but he immediately made clear he wasn't interested in the post and have now made ex-Arsenal and Netherlands star van Bronckhorst their main target.

READ MORE: The inside story of Rangers' summer transfer window

Van Bronckhorst led Rangers to the Europa League Final last year, but was axed by the club after a disastrous, record breakingly-bad Champions League campaign and falling nine points adrift of Celtic.

He has since rejected offers to move to Saudi Arabia and is waiting for the opportunity to get back in the game and Villarreal could be set to offer him the chance.

He spent four years in Spain with Barcelona and helped them win the 2006 Champions League Final against former club Arsenal.