GIOVANNI van Bronckhorst was reportedly left "disappointed" by Michael Beale's visit to Rangers as pressure mounted on him in the dugout.

The Dutchman was under intense pressure when Beale visited Ibrox as a guest of the club to watch the Scottish Premiership match against Aberdeen.

Rangers ran out comfortable 4-1 winners on the night, but it's claimed Beale's presence was "too coincidental" for Van Bronckhorst's liking.

Former Ibrox coach Beale is a well-liked figure at Rangers after his time working under Steven Gerrard at the club.

And after Van Bronckhorst's dismissal on Monday, Beale has become the early front-runner to become the next Rangers boss.

According to a source close to Van Bronckhorst, it's little surprise to see Beale linked with a return after the visit last month.

The Daily Express quotes a source close to Van Bronckhorst as saying: "Gio was very disappointed when he found out that Michael Beale was a guest of the club at that game.

"It was too coincidental.

“He had a feeling then that things were slipping which he felt was unfair and unjustified.

“Of course, it now seems that Michael Beale will be taking over at Rangers. What a surprise.”

A club statement confirming Van Bronckhorst's departure read: "Rangers Football Club confirms today it has parted company with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The board would like to put on record sincere thanks to Gio for all his efforts since his appointment as manager.

"Arriving at the club just over a year ago, Gio led the club to a fifth European final and won the Scottish Cup last May. He also led the team to the club’s first Champions League qualification in 12 years.

"Unfortunately, results and performances over recent months haven’t met expectations and the decision was made today by the board to terminate the contract of the manager.

"The search for the new manager is now underway."

Chairman Douglas Park added: “I want to thank Gio for the hard work he has put in over the last 12 months and, especially, the achievements of taking the club to the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup last season.

“Unfortunately, recent results have not met neither our nor Gio’s expectations, and we have taken this difficult decision today. Everyone at Rangers wishes Gio every success in the future.”

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