Caixinha in the clear to join Rangers

Pedro Caixinha has been given permission to become Rangers manager by Qatari club Al-Gharafa.

Al-Gharafa released a statement on Thursday to confirm they have reached an agreement with Rangers to allow their head coach to move.

The 46-year-old is now in the clear to replace Mark Warburton at the Scottish Premiership club after the Englishman departed Ibrox in acrimonious circumstances a month ago.

Graeme Murty has been in caretaker charge since then and reports suggest he will remain at the helm for Sunday's Old Firm derby away to leaders Celtic, who are a massive 33 points clear of third-placed Rangers.

Al-Gharafa got to agreement with The Scottish Club Rangers F.C. about transfer of the Head Coach Pedro Ciaxinha. pic.twitter.com/5pXir0MBrt

— Al Gharafa SC (@ALGHARAFACLUB) 9 de marzo de 201

Our Club Considered the Financial benefits of Al-Gharafa especially when we know the Coach's contract ends in 45 days

— Al Gharafa SC (@ALGHARAFACLUB) 9 de marzo de 2017

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

— Al Gharafa SC (@ALGHARAFACLUB) 9 de marzo de 2017

Caixinha started his managerial career with Uniao Leiria and Nacional in his homeland of Portugal prior to taking charge of Santos Laguna in Mexico, with whom he won three trophies and reached the CONCACAF Champions League final.

He joined Al-Gharafa in 2015 and the side from Qatar have now agreed to his departure, citing the availability of compensation and the fact Caixinha's contract only has 45 days left to run.

Rangers are six points behind second-placed Aberdeen in the Premiership having endured a disappointing return to the top-flight after spending four seasons in the lower leagues since their financial turmoil in 2012.

They are still in the running to win the Scottish Cup and are due to face rivals Celtic in the semi-finals in April. They lost to Brendan Rodgers' men in the last four of the League Cup earlier this season.