By Noel Whelan

10th Apr, 2021 | 2:13pm

This is when Gerrard may quit Rangers as Premier League giants plot surprise approach - Whelan

Noel Whelan has tipped Steven Gerrard to snub an approach from big hitters Aston Villa to stay at Rangers for at least another year. 

The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 40-year-old would not want to replace Dean Smith after seeing the Villa boss do “little wrong” at Villa Park.

As revealed by Football Insider, Aston Villa have a “strong interest” in the Gers boss as the owners consider making a surprise manager change in the medium and long-term.

It is understood Villa chief Christian Purslow does not see Smith as “big enough” to carry out the owners’ lofty plans.

Gerrard, who is into his third season at Ibrox, led the Light Blues to the Premiership title this term.

He signed a new contract with the Gers, which is set to run until 2024, back in February.

Whelan insisted Gerrard would be reluctant to take charge at Villa, who are owned by billionaire duo Naseef Sawiris and Wes Edens, if the board are willing to get rid of Smith.

However, he suggested the Rangers boss may still only have one more season at Ibrox.

Whelan told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: “I think right now, when you look at Steven Gerrard, I’m not sure whether he would want to take that.

“He’d see the way a manager’s been let go way for doing nothing, doing not much wrong.

“I think Steven wants to try and enjoy one more season at Rangers. Get a little bit more experience under his belt.

“I think right now, you want some kind of security.

“Steven Gerrard’s got that at Rangers, he’s earned that. So I don’t think that’d be the right move for Steven Gerrard, oh no.”

In other news, another Rangers contract has been tipped after “incredible” Tavernier news.