BARRY FERGUSON firmly believes Steven Gerrard will remain at Rangers even if Aston Villa do come calling for his services. 

The Rangers legend reckons the former Liverpool and England captain has unfinished business to take care of in Glasgow.

Gerrard joined the Ibrox outfit in 2018 and has improved the side season upon season, leading to the club lifting their 55th league title last term.

Rangers are top of the Premiership as things stand, sitting four points above Ange Postecoglou's Celtic. 

After the departure of Villa boss Dean Smith yesterday, Gerrard has been strongly linked with the vacant post, with Sky Sports reporting he and Roberto Martinez are high on their wishlist.

But Ferguson says Gerrard will want to retain the title and add more silverware to the club's trophy cabinet before looking to explore new opportunities.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show with Paul Cooney and Mark Guidi, the Alloa gaffer said: "I'm not surprised with the job he's done, certainly over the last 16-months or so. 

"I know Villa pretty well having played in the city with Birmingham. They've got a fantastic stadium and training ground - they are a big club. 

"But I think Steven Gerrard has got unfinished business. I believe that even if Aston Villa do come calling, I think he will remain at Rangers this season.

"Money is no object for Aston Villa. The Premier League alone is a big pull. 

"I think, in Steven Gerrard's eyes, he has still got to win more trophies to then make that step down to England. 

"This season is so important for him to retain the league title, but also add some of the domestic cups. 

"I firmly believe he will remain at Rangers to try and get another couple of trophies under his belt, then his stock is even higher. 

"He may look in the following season to make the next step if another job becomes available."

Fellow pundit Guidi added that the decision is all down to the Ibrox club at this stage, with the manager under contract until the summer of 2024.

He added: "First of all, he can only speak to them if Rangers give him permission. The ball is then with Rangers. 

"Everybody has got contracts, there's compensation involved. I'm sure for Gerrard and his backroom staff it would be millions of pounds. 

"For Brendan Rodgers and his backroom staff it was £9million Celtic received. That's a massive amount of money and I dare say Rangers will have something similar in place for Steven Gerrard."