Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst's future is in doubt and Queens Park Rangers chief Michael Beale will be 'among the favourites' to move into the Ibrox hot seat if the Dutchman is sacked, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Gers have gone into the domestic season's break sitting nine points adrift of Old Firm rivals Celtic, who are leading the way in the Scottish Premiership, and that has led to question marks over whether the hierarchy could make a change in the dugout.

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What's the latest news involving Beale and van Bronckhorst?

According to Football Insider, Rangers have made Beale their top target to succeed van Bronckhorst if he is shown the door.

The report suggests the Glasgow giants' hierarchy could decide to make a change during the World Cup and, if that turns out to be the case, director of football Ross Wilson would lead the way in identifying a successor.

Beale, who is currently in charge of Championship side QPR, previously worked at Rangers as former boss Steven Gerrard's assistant.

He was linked with the Wolverhampton Wanderers job last month, only to turn down the Premier League outfit's approach.

Journalist Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that van Bronckhorst is 'walking a tightrope' and in serious danger of the axe.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Beale?

O'Rourke believes Rangers would have a serious chance of persuading Beale to head north of the border for a second time despite already rejecting a move away from QPR.

The journalist feels the 42-year-old would be among those at the top of the Gers' list of managerial targets if van Bronckhorst's tenure comes to an end.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "I think he would be a realistic target. He's obviously got links to the club from his previous time there working under Steven Gerrard and he's still very highly regarded, I think, within the Rangers boardroom because of the work he did at Ibrox.

"He was a driving force in that Steven Gerrard management team and he's done such a great job at QPR, in his managerial role, this season.

"I'm sure Michael Beale would be among the favourites if Rangers do look for a new manager."

Would Beale be a good appointment for Rangers?

Having been appointed as QPR's head coach during the summer, Beale has made an encouraging start to his senior managerial career.

He has guided the west Londoners to nine victories from 22 matches in all competitions, while he also has the club dreaming of a return to the Premier League.

That is because QPR are just outside of the Championship's play-off places on goal difference, while seven points is all that separates them from the automatic promotion spots.

Van Bronckhorst only took over as Rangers' manager 12 months ago, but it seems fresh impetus is needed to get their season back on track and Beale could be the man to reignite their title push.

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