Former Rangers defender Russell Martin is to become the new manager of relegated Premier League side Southampton.
The ex-Rangers man, who has been in the news in the previous months thanks to Michael Beale's attempts to sign Morgan Whittaker from Martin's current side Swansea City, is set for a huge promotion to Saint Marys. The Saints are heading for the English Championship after a torrid run in England's top flight that saw them drop out of the elite division for the first time in over a decade.
Three managers have already taken the hot seat this season with the Saints, but Martin, who secured a mid-table finish with Swansea this campaign, has 'verbally agreed' to join the club according to Sky Sports News and could be announced as the new boss within the next 24 hours.
The report states that representatives from the Swans and the Saints have been in discussions over compensation as Martin has a year left on his deal in Wales. The manager was due to fly to America to discuss new terms with Swansea but postponed the trip, according to Sky.
Ruben Selles was the man tasked with keeping them afloat after the torrid spell of Nathan Jones lasted a short period. Neither of the two, or previous long-term boss Ralph Hasenhuttl managed more than three league wins this season.
Martin will have a job on his hands to get the south coast side back to the big time, after he started his managerial career at MK Dons in 2019. As a player, he made 15 appearances at Ibrox.
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