Rangers' Europa League opponents Royal Antwerp lose manager Ivan Leko

Ivan Leko during the Jupiler Pro League match between Royal Antwerp FC and Sporting Charleroi

Steven Gerrard’s side head to Belgium in February for the knock-out stage, but he will now face a new and as yet unidentified opponent in the opposite dugout at the Bosuil Stadium.

The sides were paired in the last 32 earlier this month with Leko declaring himself ‘satisfied’ with the draw, but he branded Rangers favourites.

However, just over a fortnight later, the 13-times capped midfielder has cut his six-month spell in charge of the ‘Great Old’ short and will head to Shanghai Shenhua SIPG on tomorrow (December 31).

Assistant Edward Still will follow the manager to the Chinese Super League side, based at the Hongkou Stadium.

Antwerp confirmed the news in a statement: “Almost two weeks ago the club was informed of interest in Ivan Leko by the Chinese SIPG; today we received an official letter that the coach is terminating his contract and leaving The Great Old immediately.

“As an extension of Ivan Leko's departure, we learn that Edward Still would also make the switch to China; although this has not yet been officially confirmed.

“The club regrets that Ivan Leko terminates his contract prematurely, but wishes him every success in his further career.”

Names, including former Belgian national team manager Marc Wilmots and former Dutch international Marc van Bommel are among those quoted as potential candidates to replace Leko, who leaves Antwerp fifth in the Belgian Jupiler League. The league resumes on January 10.

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