Rangers and Steven Gerrard will be looking to end nine years of hurt at Ibrox next season.

Their Old Firm rivals have had an almighty grasp over Scottish football over the last decade, one that's seen the Glaswegians win nine titles on the trot.

Gers fans won't need reminding of that fact but there will be a hope that next term is finally one where they can usurp Celtic.

For Gerrard, there have been promising signs. Until the New Year, they were in with a chance of challenging Celtic to the end.

However, Rangers ultimately fell 13 points behind at the top and were left staring at a trophyless season.

That wasn't helped by Alfredo Morelos' barren run in front of goal. Usually so calm and collected when presented with an opportunity, he began snatching at his chances and has only scored one goal in the entirety of 2020 so far.

It shall be interesting to see whether the Colombian departs with Everton and Napoli both chasing him.

Morelos

One player that could arrive, however, is Bulgaria international Kristiyan Malinov.

That's according to 7Sport who suggest the Scottish side are in with a chance of snatching him away from CSKA Sofia this summer.

Valued at £1.4m per Transfermarkt, the midfielder is also being eyed by Standard Liege who have contacted the player's agent.

Rangers are said to be one of the teams with great interest in the 26-year-old, but they'll face competition from teams in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands too.

Some clubs have already begun preliminary talks to sign him.

Malinov

GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...

Malinov is extremely unknown to British audiences but he did take on England when they faced Bulgaria towards the back end of last year.

The holding player was part of a team that were demolished 4-0 as he struggled to make too much of an impact. He completed 90% of his passes but lost possession five times and won just six of his 11 ground duels.

Though, it's difficult to judge him against such good opposition.

Growing up following Chelsea and looking up to players like Gianfranco Zola and Emmanuel Petit, he has clearly been influenced by the right individuals - something his three goals and three assists this term attests too.

Malinov

Most importantly for Rangers, however, is the fact he's keen to leave Bulgaria in the not too distant future.

During an interview last month, Malinov was asked if he'd had offers from overseas. He replied

"I know of an offer two years ago from Austria, but the club did not agree. I hope to play abroad soon. More players to play in Europe also means a stronger national team. They sell you in another team, but there you have to show character and qualities to see you and believe in the Bulgarian footballers again." 

For the Gers, that is good news and they will certainly hope he chooses Scotland over a possible move to Liege.