JOHN Barnes has warned Steven Gerrard that not even Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp could transform Rangers’ fortunes straight away, writes Chris Jack.

The 37-year-old has held “positive” talks with the Ibrox hierarchy as the Light Blues look to appoint a new boss.

Graeme Murty was relieved of his duties on Tuesday and Jimmy Nicholl and Jonatan Johansson will take charge for the final three Premiership matches with Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and Hibernian.

The move for Gerrard could be completed in the coming days as he gets set to take his first steps into management.

Comparisons have been made with Barnes following his short-lived and ill-fated spell as Celtic manager in 1999/2000.

And the Anfield legend knows Gerrard would be walking into a difficult situation should he opt to leave his role as the Reds’ Under-18s coach.

Barnes said: “Forget about reputation as a player.

“What many have to understand is, as I mention, Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp or any other great managers going to Rangers at this moment in time, possibly would not be able to turn it around straight away.

“So it’s not because Steven is inexperienced, it’s not because he’s not managed anyone.

“If he doesn’t challenge Celtic straight away it’s got nothing to do with his ability.

“So I would urge Rangers fans to give him that opportunity and have faith in him knowing that it may not happen overnight.

“Of course I think it will be a good move for Steven, I think if he wants to manage, he can be very good and Gary McAllister being there will also help.”

Gerrard has sought financial assurances from Rangers as he considers his options and a potential move to Glasgow.

The former England midfielder will be given funds to bolster his ranks ahead of the new Premiership campaign as Rangers look to stop Celtic winning eight-in-a-row.

After significant overhauls under the guidance of Mark Warburton and Pedro Caixinha in recent years, it could be another busy summer of business at Ibrox.

But Barnes reckons the lure of working with Gerrard won’t be enough to attract high-calibre players.

Barnes said: “He will know the challenge. He’s not going to go there and be naive enough to think all of a sudden ‘I’m going to turn it around’.

“Obviously he will have more of an idea than me as to the financial implications of him being there and what support he will get financially but I think it’s obvious that they aren’t able financially at this particular moment in time to compete with Celtic so he’s not going to get the players.

“The whole idea of players going to Rangers just because Steven Gerrard is there, that doesn’t happen anywhere in football any more.

“It’s more to do with if you have money to pay then the better players will come.”