Leicester City facing Rangers FC threat in pursuit of 39-year-old manager target | OneFootball

Leicester City are not the only club to be linked with the appointment of Russell Martin as manager

Leicester City are facing a tussle with Scottish giants Rangers in a bid to appoint Russell Martin as their new manaher.

According to The Sun, the Glasgow outfit are interested in appointing the 39-year-old, who once played at Ibrox in his on-field days.

Martin is currently out of work and available after leaving the Saints in December after a poor start to the Premier League season.

But he is now in high demand as we approach the end of the campaign, with clubs preparing for the summer transfer window and the next 12 months ahead.

Leicester City, Russell Martin appointment latest as Rangers join the race

It was reported by Sky Sports earlier this week that Martin is one of the names on the shortlist to potentially replace Ruud van Nistelrooy at the King Power Stadium this summer.

GiveMeSport have also claimed that Southampton are considering an approach to bring Martin back to the club this summer, just months after his sacking, although his return to the south coast is deemed unlikely.

But it’s now understood that Rangers are also in the mix of potential clubs that could look to hire the former Swansea City boss.

It’s believed that Martin is interested in a move to Ibrox, having spent time on loan there as a player.

Any decision over the next Rangers manager will likely have to wait until the takeover situation is finalised, with Leeds United owners 49ers Enterprises reportedly looking to purchase a controlling stake of the Scottish giants.

Leicester also have to wait on any decision over their next manager due to financial constraints, with Van Nistelrooy likely to oversee the end of the season and then depart after his poor stint at the King Power Stadium.

Russell Martin’s Southampton record analysed as Leicester City contemplate move

Martin oversaw 33 wins from 73 fixtures in charge during his time as Southampton manager.

The 39-year-old guided the club to promotion to the Premier League via last season's Championship play-offs, defeating Leeds United 1-0 in the final at Wemlbley.

However, just one win in the top flight from 16 games, which left them comfortably bottom of the table, saw the end of his time at St Mary's Stadium.

Leicester will be hoping Martin could lead them back to the Premier League next year, if appointed, with the team’s relegation to the Championship already confirmed.

Leicester City may have to look elsewhere if Rangers can tempt Russell Martin with Ibrox return

It’s not too surprising so many clubs are eyeing a move for Martin, given how he guided Southampton to promotion last year.

While his time in the Premier League was a struggle, it’s clear that the squad simply wasn’t good enough to compete at that level.

Martin has a distinct style of play that he’s committed to that is attacking, and will get supporters onside if that system ends up working.

Given Leicester’s difficulties in front of goal this season, that makes him an especially appealing option to take over the Foxes, but with Rangers now in the hunt for his services, a return to Ibrox could appeal more to Martin, especially given the fact they can offer European football.