The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Ojo signs as Rangers dismiss Gerrard talk
IBROX: Manager linked with Derby, but club insists he remains committed
Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo has insisted Steven Gerrard was the key reason he moved to Rangers on loan as Ibrox chiefs rejected reports their manager had held talks with Derby.
Reports yesterday claimed Derby County had moved to lure the former Anfield captain back south.
But the Rangers boss was instead busy making his fourth summer signing in the shape of Reds youngster Ojo as the club issued a hands-off warning.
The Times claimed Gerrard, 39, had rejected an approach from the Rams regarding their managerial situation.
Frank Lampard, a former England team-mate of Gerrard, is still the man in charge at Pride Park but has been linked with a return to Chelsea to take over from Maurizio Sarri.
The Times report claimed Gerrard was contacted by Derby as the Sky Bet Championship outfit make contingency plans for Lampard’s possible return to Stamford Bridge.
Rangers hit back angrily at the claims, insisting Gerrard is going nowhere.
A spokesman said: “Let’s get one or two things clear. Our manager has not been approached and he remains 100% committed to the job he has here.”
Gerrard, whose side host Derby at Ibrox in a pre-season friendly on July 28, signed a four-year deal last summer and led Rangers to the Europa League group stages and a second-place finish in his first season in charge.
He is already gearing up for the new campaign and has now raided his old club for the third time since joining Rangers to land Ojo on a year-long loan.
The 21-year-old winger, who endured a frustrating stint in France with Reims last term, said: “The last two years I’ve not really had that consistent opportunity to play football.
“When I heard Rangers were involved, I spoke to my representation, the gaffer Steven Gerrard and Liverpool as well and came to believe this was the right destination for me this season.”