Rangers find out fee for Derek McInnes amid Hearts exit update

Rangers may have to pay a substantial compensation fee if they want Derek McInnes to become their next manager, with reports suggesting Hearts are prepared to demand a high six-figure sum to release him from his contract.

Uncertainty continues to grow around Danny Röhl’s future at Ibrox, with RB Salzburg reportedly stepping up efforts to tempt the German coach to Austria after less than a year in charge. If Röhl does leave, Rangers chiefs, led by Andrew Cavenagh, are expected to move quickly in their search for a replacement.

Several names have already been linked with the role. Former manager Steven Gerrard, currently without a club, remains in the conversation, while ex-frontrunner Kevin Muscat has also re-emerged as a potential option.

However, Hearts boss Derek McInnes is quickly becoming one of the standout candidates, particularly after his impressive work in Edinburgh. In his first season at Tynecastle, McInnes guided Hearts into a genuine title race, with the club pushing Celtic until the closing stages of the campaign in what proved to be a remarkable debut year.

Despite growing interest, Hearts are believed to have little interest in losing their manager anytime soon. According to reports, the Edinburgh side would seek a sizeable compensation package should Rangers formally approach for McInnes.

The 54-year-old remains under contract until 2029, placing Hearts in a strong negotiating position. With Champions League football potentially on the horizon, the Tynecastle hierarchy are understandably reluctant to part ways with a manager who has transformed the club’s fortunes, particularly to a direct domestic rival.

Nevertheless, McInnes is understood to be firmly under consideration at Ibrox should Rangers need to appoint a successor to Röhl.

This is not the first time McInnes has been linked with the Rangers job. Back in 2017, while managing Aberdeen, he held discussions about replacing Pedro Caixinha, though talks eventually broke down before Graeme Murty was appointed on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.