Rangers are closing in on the appointment of Russell Martin as their new manager, with talks now understood to be at an advanced stage.
Talks between Martin and senior figures at Rangers have progressed well over recent days – and it now looks like he will be the man chosen to lead the revolution under the clubâs new American owners.
Mail Sport understands that Rangers have been tracking Martin since parting company with Philippe Clement back in February.
Kevin Thelwell had already sounded out the former Southampton boss prior to starting his duties as sporting director earlier this week.
And after speaking with Gretar Steinsson of the 49ers Enterprises and new Ibrox chairman Andrew Cavenagh, itâs Martin who now looks to have won the race to become the clubâs next manager.
Russell Martin had a short spell on loan at Rangers from Norwich back in 2018
Martin’s modern approach is said to have impressed the Ibrox club’s new owners
Whilst the likes of Davide Ancelotti and Francesco Farioli havenât yet been formally ruled out, sources at Ibrox have confirmed that Martin is now the most likely candidate to land the job.
In particular, his greater experience as a frontline manager is understood to have given him the edge over Ancelotti.
Martinâs modern and progressive style of possession-based football was also understood to be a major selling point for the clubâs new owners.
Barring any late hitches, the 39-year-old former Scotland defender could be appointed at Ibrox by the end of the week.
Sources were keen to stress that he hasnât yet been formally offered the job, but conceded that the positive nature of the talks between both camps were likely heading in one direction.
The recruitment process has been led predominantly by Thelwell and Steinsson, with Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart happy to allow the clubâs new structure to take effect.
Martin has been out of work since being sacked by Southampton back in December, with the club bottom of the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship.
