Russell Martin can bring £15m Rangers transfer plan to summit with takeover king but deals hinge on one condition

The search for the next Ibrox boss is nearing an end with Davide Ancelotti and Martin in the running

Former Southampton manager Russell Martin
Former Southampton manager Russell Martin(Image: PA)

Rangers next boss contender Russell Martin could have an early transfer plan to present to takeover kingpin Andrew Cavenagh this week.

The US tycoon – who is spearheading the San Francisco 49ers-backed takeover – is set to meet Davide Ancelotti and former Southampton boss Martin face-to-face in the coming days as the search for a new boss reaches an end.

Record Sport previously revealed that Maurice Ross would be Martin’s right hand man if he lands the job – and a potential transfer strategy may be falling into place at Rangers in the event that management team is appointed.

Reports south of the border suggest that Martin is keen on a reunion with Cameron Archer at his next club amid links with the Ibrox hot seat and Leicester City.

The England youth international – who was previously on Rangers’ radar back in 2022 – only made the move to St Mary’s last summer in a £15million move from Aston Villa.

However, after Martin was shown the door in the midst of the relegation scrap, Archer failed to find regular game time and was close to a loan switch to Leeds United in January.

After his arrival on the south coast, Archer admitted that the style of play from the boss was a huge factor in leaving Villa Park for the club.

He said: “I’m really excited to be here. I had a good chat with the gaffer. Obviously, he told me everything I needed to hear.

Cameron Archer of Southampton during a Premier League match
Cameron Archer of Southampton during a Premier League match(Image: Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)

“That was one of the main reasons why I’m here, his playing style, his coaching and trying to improve me as a player.”

The gaffer also made it clear that he was a huge admirer, stating: “Cameron is a really exciting young talent with huge potential to improve.

“He’s a constant threat with his pace and ability to score goals, and will have learned a lot from playing regularly in the Premier League last season.”

But things have turned sour for the 23-year-old – and speaking before the end of the campaign he left the door open to a fresh start.

He told the Daily Echo on January interest from Leeds: “I came here this summer and wasn’t expecting to leave, but talks were ongoing outside of football.

“I come to training every day, and if it happens, it happens.”

A reunion with Swansea centre-back Harry Darling could also be on the cards.

He is out of contract this summer – and has already been signed twice by Martin at MK Dons and then to the Welsh side.

Wales Online claim that Darling is now “close” to deciding his future with Swansea offering him improved terms – but confidence is said to have “waned” over an extension.

Both deals would like require big money to be spend on transfer fees and wages – and could hinge on 49ers Enterprises backing the Scottish Premiership side with big money when they take control.

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