Rangers number one target to take over from Pedro Caixinha is Derek McInnes.

Caixinha was sacked by The Gers after just seven months in charge on Thursday – following a disappointing spell in charge which saw him win just 14 of his games.

The decision was made at a board meeting following a 1-1 home draw with Kilmarnock on Wednesday and after their League Cup semi-final loss to Motherwell at Hampden on Sunday.

Caixinha, along with his assistants Helder Baptista, Pedro Malta and Jose Belman, has left Ibrox with youth coach Graeme Murty again placed in caretaker control.

Caixinha was appointed following Mark Warburton’s departure, and at the time McInnes was high on their wanted list but the Gers board went with the Portuguese coach instead.

Now they are back needing a new boss, and again McInnes is on their radar but I am told is very much at the forefront of their thinking.

McInnes, who turned down Sunderland in the summer when they failed to meet his demands, would cost around £1.5miillion in terms of compensation – which could be the main sticking point, but the former Rangers midfielder would be a hugely popular appointment.

BetVictor already make McInnes Evens favourite, and their Head of ante post Football Michael Triffitt said: “There will certainly be a long list of candidates clambering to be the next manager of Rangers following the sacking of Pedro Caixinha.

“Derek McInnes, who had done well with Aberdeen and looked all set for Sunderland in the summer, is the name on punters lips and after opening at 16/1 is now the Evens favourite.

“McInnes was brought up in Paisley as a Rangers fan and played for the Gers in the late 90’s.”