Steven Gerrard keeps laser Saudi focus amid swirling Rangers return talk as Dave King Ibrox bid doomed

Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Steven Gerrard is keeping a laser focus on Al-Ettifaq after talk of a Rangers return was ramped up with Dave King's pubic bid to return to Ibrox as chairman.

Former Light Blues supremo King has thrown his name into the ring to replace John Bennett in the top job at Ibrox - and that sparked speculation that King could make a move to bring former boss Gerrard back to Govan for another crack at the Scottish Premiership. Philippe Clement is facing mounting pressure after an unconvincing start to the new campaign - and King namechecked Gerrard in his pitch over a sensational return to Ibrox.

But Record Sport understands the club directors are set to refuse the offer from the South Africa-based businessman with John Gilligan serving in the chairman role on a temporary basis. And Liverpool icon appears to be keeping his focus on the Saudi Pro League after an impressive start to the campaign.

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Ettifaq sit joint top of the table after winning their first three games - and Gerrard is already turning his attention to the January transfer window and the long-term planning for the Dammam side. Scotland star Jack Hendry is currently sidelined and the Englishman reckons cover may be required in the winter window.

He told Akhbaar 24: "We have achieved the most important thing so far and won games under difficult conditions, but we will definitely improve. We still need more players. Majed Dawran has a health problem, Jack Hendry has an injury.

"So that confirms we need new players, but we have developed offensively and there is an improvement in the atmosphere (of the squad). This will help improve the technical performance."