Steven Gerrard had reservations about working under Kevin Thelwell at Rangers, it is being claimed.

After looking like a heavy favourite to take the reigns at Ibrox for a second time, the 45-year-old pulled out of the running at the weekend with poor timing being the reason publicly stated.

There has also been a belief there were tax factors at the heart of the decision, with a return to the UK affecting money is still due from his time at Al-Ettifaq.

Gerrard had held talks with Rangers chiefs throughout last week, which were thought to have been productive. Everything seemed to be pointing to a return to the club until the late collapse.

TalkSPORT are now claiming there was a bit more to it than inopportune timing.

They report Gerrard has reservations around working with sporting director Thelwell. While this was nothing personal against the ex-Everton chief, he wanted more autonomy than he looked like being promised, especially when it comes to recruitment of players.

Another factor was having to come in midseason and turn the club's ailing fortunes around. It is claimed he...