Russell Martin will top Leicester City’s wanted list if they sack Ruud van Nistelrooy after their final game of the season.
The former Southampton boss - who is also in the running for the vacant position at Rangers - is understood to be the Foxes’ No.1 choice to replace their current Dutch chief.
Van Nistelrooy 'Waiting' for Leicester Decision
Russell Martin is No.1 target if the Dutchman leaves
ruud van nistelrooy
Van Nistelrooy is still waiting for confirmation of the club’s next move.
He wants assurances over the summer spending budget and his own position as the former Premier League title winners come to terms with their second relegation in three seasons.
Despite picking up seven points from their last three games, the Foxes have paid a heavy price for a horrible run of form.
They secured just one draw - at Brighton - during a run of ten defeats in 11 - leading to relegation which was confirmed following the home reversal against Liverpool.
And it’s that which has led to a loss of faith that the former Real Madrid and Manchester United sharpshooter can turn the situation around.
Russell Martin Also on Rangers' Shortlist
Steven Gerrard leading race for Ibrox job however
Russell Martin during his time in charge of Southampton
Martin is on the shortlist to replace Philippe Clement at Rangers.
But sources have told GiveMeSport that former boss Steven Gerrard is primed to return to Ibrox.
That will pave the way for Martin, 39, to return to frontline management for the first time since his sacking by Southampton last December.
He had guided the Saints into the top-flight following a Championship play-off final victory over Leeds United but a run of just one victory in 16 top-flight outings ended his reign at St Mary’s.
However, Martin will fit the bill in terms of the possession-based style that the Foxes have implemented in the past.
Martin's Style of Play Similar to Enzo Maresca's
He favours a high-risk, high-reward strategy
Russell Martin
Current Chelsea chief Enzo Maresca played in a similar fashion to that favoured by the former Scotland international.
The ex-Juventus midfielder enjoyed success at the King Power Stadium as the club jumped back into the big time following a one-year exile.
However, his brand of football was little more than tolerated by the Foxes’ faithful.
Russell is cut from a similar cloth, favouring a high-risk and high-reward strategy that has paid rich dividends for him in the second tier.
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