Southampton look set to make Swansea boss and former Rangers defender Russell Martin their new manager, in a move which could impact Ibrox links to Morgan Whittaker and Joel Piroe.
The Saints are reportedly set to announce the appointment of ex-Scotland international defender Martin, 37, following their relegation from the Premier League and the exit of Spanish coach Ruben Selles.
While Russell Martin wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea at Rangers – to put it mildly – signing a three-year deal with Southampton is further evidence of the manager’s growing reputation as a coach.
Having started out in charge of MK Dons, the ex-Norwich City centre-back impressed at Swansea before earning a shot at rebuilding the Championship-bound Saints.
But Rangers fans will be more interested in what happens at Swansea, with the Ibrox club linked to winger Morgan Whittaker and striker Joel Piroe heading into the transfer window.
Rangers Swansea links persist as Russell Martin heads to Southampton
The Ibrox side are expected to reinforce and reenergise the squad this summer, with ex-Plymouth loanee Whittaker a high-profile January target.
Amid talk of rejected bids, Southampton-bound Martin even apologised to Rangers fans for being “rubbish” at Ibrox as the Welsh side held firm with the 22-year-old forward.
Rangers have been linked with a return for Whittaker in the summer, with Michael Beale known to be a big fan of the player.
Piroe is another Swansea star who has been linked with a move to Rangers, as the Dutch striker is tipped to fill the void left by Alfredo Morelos.
Once rated at £20m by the Swans, the 23-year-old certainly has striking prowess. But it remains unlikely that Rangers would ever splash such a fee on the player.
One of several reported Ibrox striking targets, Piroe is another who might well be impacted by the change of manager at Swansea, as Martin heads for Southampton.