Derek McInnes has made it clear that he is not interested in the managerial position at Rangers, emphasizing his commitment to his current role at Hearts.

McInnes had been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Rangers job following Russell Martin’s dismissal just over a week ago. However, sources from Daily Mail Sport indicate that Rangers have not formally approached the 54-year-old, who is currently leading Hearts to the top of the league standings.

While there has been interest in the 36-year-old German head coach Rohl, some decision-makers are hesitant to take a chance on someone lacking substantial experience.

On the other hand, Muscat, who boasts a more robust track record, is still under contract with Shanghai Port in China, which poses a challenge. As he is involved in the concluding stages of the Chinese Super League title race, Muscat may not be available for another four weeks.

Muscat, meanwhile, would bring more pedigree and experience, but the fact he is currently under contract with Shanghai Port in China remains an issue.

Derek McInnes has overseen an exciting start to the season with Hearts and intends to stay put

Muscat has emerged as a leading contender but is currently in a title fight with Shanghai Port

Danny Rohl has admirers on the Rangers board after holding positive talks in London

Currently in the final stages of a title battle in the Chinese Super League, it could be another four weeks until Muscat would become available.

Unwilling to write the season off, Rangers feel they can yet achieve something despite a disappointing start to the campaign.

With that in mind, there is a preference for the new head coach to arrive as swiftly as possible.

But if the club do decide to go with Muscat, Neil McCann could yet come in as an interim head coach, with a view to then becoming part of the backroom team.

Daily Mail Sport understands that Rangers have now started forming plans for an interim solution to be found for Saturday’s match against Dundee United.

Speaking as he claimed a second successive manager of the month gong, Hearts boss McInnes reaffirmed his commitment to the Tynecastle club.

McInnes won the Scottish Premiership’s Manager of the Month award for September

‘I love it here,’ said McInnes,’ who turned down an approach from Rangers back in 2017. ‘It’s been a long time for me coming here.

‘I always thought this was a job that I wanted to be at. I’m working with some good people. We feel we can be successful here.’

Asked if he is committed to his club, McInnes said: ‘Absolutely. I’m the Hearts manager. Normally, when managers are doing well, sometimes there can be speculation.

‘Equally, when managers aren’t doing well, there can be speculation about their own job, but for us, at Hearts, we are just concentrating on our work.

‘Listen, my job here is firmly at Hearts. I’m really enjoying it here. I’ve wanted to be here for a long time, I’m really enjoying my work here.

‘We feel we’ve started something now and we want to try and make sure we follow up on a strong start to the season and maintain it and see where it takes us.’

Neil McCann has been linked with an interim role with a view to joining Muscat’s coaching staff

Meanwhile, Rangers have been sanctioned by the SPFL over a ‘large-scale, organised and illegal pyrotechnics display’ by fans during the 1-1 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park on the opening day of the season.

The Ibrox club were found to have failed to ensure, ‘as far as is reasonably practicable’, that their supporters did not engage in ‘unacceptable conduct’, and also failed to ‘identify or take proportionate disciplinary measures’ against the supporters responsible.

Rangers have been hit with a suspended reduction of 50 tickets for an away game, which will be triggered if there is a similar incident this season. Rangers would have to pay the home club for the cost of the 50 tickets.