Wednesday 8 March 2017 17:31, UK
Southampton director of recruitment and scouting Ross Wilson has turned down an offer to become Rangers' director of football, according to Sky sources.
It is understood there has been constant dialogue between the Rangers board and Wilson over the last two weeks.
Wilson is believed to have given the position serious consideration, impressed with the club's plans during positive talks, but he has decided to remain with the Premier League's Saints.
His decision leaves the way clear for Gers to pursue Paul Mitchell - the man Wilson replaced on the south coast in 2014.
Mitchell has now left his role as head of recruitment at Tottenham and is currently on gardening leave, Sky sources understand.
Rangers have been looking to appoint a director of football and a new manager since the departure of Mark Warburton, David Weir and Frank McParland in February.
Interim boss Graeme Murty is set to be in charge of the team for a sixth successive game when Rangers play champions-elect Celtic on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
The Ibrox club had planned to have a director of football in place before appointing Warburton's replacement, but Sky sources understand Pedro Caixinha is "very close" to becoming the new Rangers manager.
The 46-year-old Portuguese, who is manager of Al-Gharafa Sports Club in Qatar, is awaiting the blessing of club President Sheikh Jassim Bin Thamer Al Thani before flying from the Middle East to Scotland.
