Leicester City and Rangers are set to battle it out for former Premier League manager Russell Martin.
The Foxes’ spell in the top flight has ended after just a single campaign, with the East Midlands club relegated last weekend following a defeat at home to champions Liverpool.
Ruud van Nistelrooy‘s side suffered another sobering loss in the West Midlands on Saturday afternoon, when Wolverhampton Wanderers ran out 3-0 winners.
Leicester have won just three of their 23 competitive matches since the arrival of the Dutchman into the managerial hotseat during the festive period.
Ahead of a clash with fellow whipping boys Southampton next weekend, the Foxes are sitting 19th in the Premier League standings, clutching at just 18 points.
Leicester, Rangers to battle for Martin?
According to The Sun, Championship-bound Leicester and Rangers are set to fight for a former Premier League head coach ahead of next season.
The report claims that the Foxes and the Gers are both very keen on recruiting Martin, who has been out of work since leaving Southampton earlier in the campaign.
It is understood that the 39-year-old is currently Leicester’s preferred man to lead them through a arduous term in the Championship in 2025-26.
Despite this, it is believed that Van Nistelrooy wants to remain as head coach as the King Power Stadium, so that he can attempt to restore the club to the Premier League.
Although Rangers are interested in Martin, it is unlikely that the Scottish giants will make a concrete offer to the young coach before their impending takeover is complete.
Championship pedigree points
There have been flashier names linked to the Leicester job in recent times, however Martin would bring plenty of Championship experience to the club.
The 39-year-old enjoyed a successful two-year spell at Swansea City, where he cultivated a winning mentality and attractive style of play.
Martin’s work in South Wales earned him the gig at Southampton for the 2023-24 campaign, in which the South Coast club secured promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs.
