Thursday 9 March 2017 17:24, UK
Al-Gharafa have given manager Pedro Caixinha permission to join Rangers, the Qatar Stars League club have announced.
Rangers had been awaiting the blessing of Al-Gharafa President Sheikh Jassim Bin Thamer Al Thani and Portuguese Caixinha could now be appointed ahead of Sunday's derby with Celtic - live on Sky Sports - although it is likely interim manager Graeme Murty would remain in charge for the match with Caixinha watching from the stands.
"Al-Gharafa reach an agreement with Rangers FC for the transfer of Head Coach Pedro Caixinha," read a statement from the club.
"Approval was in the interests of the club financially, especially when the coach's contract expires in 45 days. The coach's desire to exploit the opportunity to move to Rangers was stronger than our desire to continue."
Murty took over at the helm after Mark Warburton left the club in February and he has guided them to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup - where they will again face Celtic - following a 2-1 win over Morton in his first game in charge and a 6-0 drubbing of Hamilton in last weekend's quarter-final at Ibrox.
But the club are keen to alter their management structure, with a director of football to be appointed above Caixinha if he is confirmed as their new manager.
Southampton director of recruitment and scouting Ross Wilson is understood to have turned down the chance to take on the role.
Paul Mitchell is believed to be in the running, however, after he left his position as Tottenham's head of recruitment.
Watch Celtic v Rangers on Sunday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 HD and Sky Sports 5 HD at 11:30am.
