Exclusive: Leicester City backed to appoint Russell Martin as new Rangers FC update emerges | OneFootball

The former Southampton promotion winner has been linked with a move to the Foxes

With relegation already confirmed, the focus at Leicester City is to secure a second Championship promotion in three years during the 2025/26 campaign.

The former Premier League champions are enduring a torrid time back in the top-flight under Ruud van Nistelrooy, with many speculating that the Dutchman may be dismissed ahead of next season's Championship campaign.

Sky Sports stated that former Southampton boss Russell Martin is on the shortlist of possible replacements. But if the 39-year-old is who the Foxes would prefer, they may face some slight competition from Scottish giants Rangers, according to the report from the Sun.

In an exclusive interview with Football League World, former Aston Villa midfielder and current Sky Sports pundit, Lee Hendrie, weighed in with his opinion on whether Martin would be a good fit at the King Power Stadium.

Russell Martin's play style suits Leicester City, according to Lee Hendrie

"[Russell Martin] has got his style of play which has obviously attracted Leicester and Rangers," Hendrie said.

"He's had a taste of Premier League football. If he does go to Leicester, I'm sure they'll be looking at refreshing. They'll be one of the favourites to bounce back, you would say."

"I think he's a good fit for Leicester because of the way they'll want to play and the way he likes to play himself, with the style to play out from the back.

"With the squad they have, and obviously they'll lose players - the likes of Vardy are already going - it's all about putting his stamp on things."

Clearly, Leicester will be among the favourites to make an immediate return to the Premier League, and, with Martin's recent track record in the Championship, he'd be near the top of many Foxes fans' list of prospective new managers in the dugout come August.

Rangers manager stance may open door for Leicester City, Russell Martin swoop

With TeamTalk announcing that Rangers are looking further towards former RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose, and Steven Gerrard, who managed Rangers to a league title in the 2021/22 season, the door seems increasingly ajar for Leicester City to bring Russell Martin to the King Power Stadium this summer.

Martin won't be the only choice which the hierarchy at Leicester are considering, though, with Lee Carsley and current Sheffield Wednesday boss, Danny Rohl, also on the potential shortlist.

The 39-year-old has shown that he can manage a side with high expectations in the second-tier before, so he will be able to handle the pressure of a job such as Leicester City's.

His recent record in the Premier League may be a cause for concern, but as for next season, Martin seems like a perfect fit for any title contender.