PEDRO Caixinha has been given permission by current club Al-Gharafa to complete his move to Rangers after the club admitted his desire to join the Glasgow giants was too strong, writes Kenneth Ward.

The former Sporting Lisbon assistant manager, 42, has been a target to replace Mark Warburton since the Englishman's departure from Ibrox last month.

The Qatari outfit made a statement on their official Twitter account last night that their decision was met through the stability of the club and the financial benefit of allowing their manager to join Rangers.

"Al-Gharafa got to agreement with the Scottish Club Rangers F.C. about transfer of the head coach Pedro Caixinha," the statement read. "Our club considered the financial benefits, especially when we know the coach's contract ends in 45 days.

"The coach's desire to invest the offer of the Scottish club was stronger than our desire to keep him with us."

Caixinha will not be in charge for the Old Firm derby on Sunday, however, with interim manager Graeme Murty still expected to lead the team out at Parkhead.