Gerrard dismisses links with Derby

Steven Gerrard has insisted he is happy at Rangers after shrugging off suggestions he could replace Frank Lampard at Derby County.

The Ibrox boss was reported to be the Rams’ first-choice to replace Lampard should he complete his expected return to Chelsea.

But the Gers manager told Sky Sports News he is still committed to the Light Blues.

“Yes I’m aware of it but there’s nothing to say on it,” said the former Liverpool skipper.

“I’m very happy. It’s a privilege to be the Rangers manager and my focus is on the coming season.

“It’s very similar to when there is noise around players. I ask them to stay focused on the job and that’s what I’ll continue to do.

“There’s nothing really to add to it.”

Asked if he still had business to do at Ibrox, he replied: “Of course. Nothing has changed in my mind.

“I was very lucky and appreciative of the opportunity I got 12 months ago.

“I came in very focused in season one. Nothing has changed in my mind.

“I’m delighted to be the Rangers manager, I’m managing one of the biggest football clubs you can manage so nothing has changed in terms of my focus.”

With the Derby links dismissed, Gerrard is focusing on getting Rangers ready for the new campaign.

George Edmundson became the sixth new face to join the Rangers squad last week after completing his move from Oldham.

The centre-back joined a 28-man squad that flew out to Portugal on Saturday and Gerrard hopes to see further new arrivals check in.

Joe Aribo’s move from Charlton is due to be completed soon, with the midfielder undergoing a medical, while another defender remains on the Ibrox boss’s wanted list.

But he admits he will have to be patient while he waits for news on Ryan Kent’s potential return on loan from Liverpool.

“I don’t think it’s any secret we’re trying to get Joe Aribo over the line,” said Gerrard. “He’s currently having a medical so that one could be imminent.

“We believe there was Premier League and European clubs chasing Joe, which is no surprise.

“There were Championship clubs in the hat as well and it obviously came out in the public domain that Celtic made him an offer as well, so if we manage to get that one over the line it would be a big coup for us.

“I had a couple of face-to-face meetings with him and the chance to sell Rangers and what we’re trying to do. He’s as excited as I am about the situation.

“Yes we would like Ryan back but the reality is he’s Liverpool’s player so we have to respect that.

“Jurgen Klopp I’m sure will want to take a look at Ryan but we are at the table.

“We love the player, we felt we did a good job with him for 12 months and feel there’s more to come on the job we’d like to do with him.

“We’re progressing in terms of our targets and the squad is close to being finished – but we’re not finished just yet.”

Steven Gerrard: staying focused on his job at Ibrox.