The speculation just won’t go away for as long as Newcastle deliberate on the future of their manager position.
Despite Steve Bruce currently occupying the role, there is an expectation that he will be replaced in the coming weeks with the Geordies rooted to 19th place in the Premier League table with no wins from the first eight games played.
It is inevitable that there will be a change ahead of the January transfer window, just a matter of time.
After a frantic, emotional highly charged day at St James Park on Sunday, The Times reported that the new regime has shortlisted Rangers Steven Gerrard as well as Unai Emery and Roberto Martinez as the three names under consideration for the job.
All three are currently in work with Emery at Villarreal and Martinez at the helm with the Belgian national side.
“Newcastle United will this week step up their search for a new manager with Roberto Martínez, Steven Gerrard and Unai Emery emerging as leading contenders to replace Steve Bruce.”
Quite simply, for as long as the speculation continues there will be angst from a Rangers perspective as the lure of the Premier League and the new financial muscle of Newcastle is significant.
That said, the fact of the matter is that initially Newcastle United are in a relegation battle due to the limitations of their squad.
Time
It is expected that money will be spent in January but even a significant outlay over one window will not transform the fortunes of the Tyneside club instantly – is that the type of of challenge and environment that would take Gerrard and co. away from Ibrox? Highly doubtful.
The Newcastle job is a project for the next two seasons, with little margin for error. As time goes on, expectations will rise and the owners will always be able to sanction a replacement should it be desired.
Having enjoyed stability and trust over the last three years, it would be a shock to say the least if Gerrard was to give that up for a very uncertain near future, never mind the potential knock-on effect of the Liverpool question.
Media speculation and rumours will happen, the interest may well be genuine and yes, money does talk but now is not the time, nor is Newcastle the next, best job for Steven Gerrard.