Derek McInnes to kickstart 'big Rangers overhaul' as post-Danny Rohl plan emerges

Rangers had been eyeing a move for Derek McInnes for weeks as doubts began to grow about the long-term future of Danny Rohl.

The Ibrox club had been keen to back Rohl despite calls for his head, but were aware of underlying speculation that he could walk away from his position this summer.

Rohl is now closing in on a move to Austrian outfit RB Salzburg, but the Glasgow club have moved quickly to land McInnes as his immediate replacement.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Rangers have been lining up a move for McInnes and were made aware of his willingness to join.

This comes after his Hearts side pipped Rangers to second place in the Scottish Premiership and only missed out on the title on the final day against Celtic.

McInnes' stock has risen rapidly as a result, and while he has been a long-term target at Ibrox, they decided now was the ideal time to bring him in.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 13 June that Ipswich Town are interested in appointing McInnes and plans were in place to sound him out for the job.

However, just days later, Rangers have moved quickly to reach an agreement which will see him move to Ibrox ahead of next season.

McInnes has long been admired by the Rangers hierachy, while they have been keen to bring somebody in with experience managing in Scotland.

"It came as no surprise to Rangers that Danny Rohl would be moving on," Brown told Football Insider.

"We spoke about it a few weeks ago, they decided not to sack him but there was always that feeling that something could happen and he could be let go or he could walk away.

"Ultimately, this offer has come along and he's decided to take it, but Rangers were prepared for him to move on.

"That's how they were able to reach an agreement with Derek McInnes so quickly, it's something they've had lined up for weeks and they knew he was the one they wanted.

"He's got that experience in Scotland, he had a great season last time out with Hearts so his stock is probably higher than ever.

"They've tried a lot of different things over the last few years, Rangers, and nothing has really worked out for them, so now they're going with tried and tested options.

"They're going to need a big overhaul, but getting McInnes in could be the start of that for them."

Rohl's departure from Rangers came as no surprise, with speculation having surrounded his future non-stop since the season ended last month.

While Rangers ultimately opted against sacking him despite their dismal league performances and ultimate third-place finish, his future at Ibrox was far from secure.

Brown warned Football Insider last month that Rohl could be tempted to walk away from Rangers with a number of clubs across Europe keeping tabs on his situation.

Despite his disappointing form at Rangers, the boss was still much admired across Europe, particularly in his native Germany where he was considered by Wolfsburg.

Ultimately, an offer from Salzburg proved too good for the boss to turn down, and the focus at Ibrox has now turned to a long-term future without him.