Leicester face being leapfrogged by Rangers in chase for first-choice manager target Russell Martin
RUSSELL MARTIN is heading for a managerial tussle between Leicester City and Rangers.
Martin, 39, is the first choice at relegated Foxes, as SunSport revealed last month, and the former Southampton chief is keen.
However, Scottish giants Gers have also shortlisted Martin, who played for them on loan and is very interested.
Martin is waiting on the call from Ibrox, where the club is about to be taken over by an American group tied in with Leeds.
Until the takeover is finalised, it is difficult to make a concrete offer to a boss.
Leicester are also waiting for a few weeks before committing to their own change, so it is a case of who moves first for Martin.
Lee Carsley has been linked with the Foxes – but the England Under-21 boss is not looking to work in the Championship.
Current Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy remains in the dark over his future.
He has picked up just three wins as manager in 23 games.
But he is keen to stay on, despite Sean Dyche also being tipped to join the King Power dugout.
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Van Nistelrooy said of his future: “It’s necessary to find alignment.
“The quicker the better in the best interests for the football club.
That’s what I’m urging.
“We need to be on the same page.
“Over the past months, starting in February, I’ve had conversations with the board and the chairman. Later in March and recently as well.
“The club knows where I stand.
“I’ve always informed the club on the way I see things, the lessons learned now it’s clear it’s going to be in the Championship.
“We can move on to that scenario. But I’m still waiting for the club to come back. That’s where it stands now.
“I know what my plan is to move forward and bring the club back up with the people in this building.
“There are 60-70 great professionals here who can move the club forward.
“But I’m still waiting on that alignment.”