Russell Martin seems set to drop out of the running to become Rangers’ next manager, with Leicester City identifying him as the man to take them back to the Premier League.
Relegated from the top flight after finishing in 18th place, the Foxes are close to parting company with Ruud van Nistelrooy.
It’s understood that talks have already taken place with former Southampton manager Martin about taking the post.
With discussions said to be heading towards a positive conclusion, the 39-year-old now appears to be highly unlikely to be returning to Ibrox after playing there towards the end of his career.
As Mail Sport reported yesterday, Steven Gerrard is the front runner for the Rangers job, with talks over a return to the club he managed between 2018 and 2021 set to take place.
While Gerrard is interested in coming back to Glasgow, sources close to him have shot down suggestions that any deal is imminent.
Leicester have identified Russell Martin as man to lead them back to Premier League
Steven Gerrard remains the frontrunner to be the next permanent manager of Rangers
Gerrard has remained in the Middle East despite having left job with Al-Ettifaq in January
It’s believed that his wife Alex has yet to be convinced about the merits of leaving a luxury lifestyle in the Middle East for Scotland.
Gerrard has remained in that part of the world since leaving his £15million a year job with Al-Ettifaq in January.
Although Martin’s likely unveiling at Leicester further shortens the chances on Gerrard succeeding interim manager Barry Ferguson in the post, Rangers aren’t now anticipating making any announcement by the end of this week.
Despite the fact that a new manager will face an opening qualifier in the Champions League as soon as July 22-23, the club are determined to go through a rigorous interview process to ensure they get the right man.
Incoming sporting director Kevin Thelwell will have a big say in who is appointed, together with CEO Patrick Stewart.
Both men will be central to the operation of the club going forward, once it moves into American ownership.
