Russell Martin still in the frame to be next Rangers manager as he makes fresh pitch with final decision IMMINENT

RUSSELL MARTIN will meet with Rangers chiefs this week to make a fresh pitch to become Ibrox boss.

SunSport can reveal the 39-year-old remains one of the names in the frame to replace sacked Philippe Clement, despite interest from Leicester City.

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We told on February 28 – the day the Belgian was axed – that Martin was a serious contender for the job.

Since then Gers CEO Patrick Stewart and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell have put together a shortlist of candidates that includes Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti.

Weekend reports have also revealed ex-Feyenoord boss Brian Priske has entered the running as a late applicant.

But ex-Swansea and Southampton boss Martin is still being discussed by key Gers figures.

And he’ll be given the opportunity to outline the way he’d aim to bring success should he be appointed.

Initial discussions have already taken place in recent weeks with Martin and the other contenders.

But Gers aim to make their final choice this week after the latest round of talks.

Crucially, Martin is also understood to be in the frame to become next Leicester boss with the Foxes set to fire Ruud van Nistelrooy after their relegation from the English Premier League to the Championship.

As yet, however, the Dutchman has not been sacked.

And former Scotland defender Martin remains eager to pursue the opportunity he may have to take charge at Ibrox with major investment on the way.

It would be seen as a massive gamble by Gers’ San Francisco 49ers chiefs should they appoint the man sacked by Southampton in December.

Ex-title winning gaffer Gerrard is still understood to be in contention.

Although sources close to the Liverpool legend have suggested he’s been planning on spending time with his family in the coming months as he’s due to become a grandfather for the first time.

Ancelotti is another possibility for the job with his legendary father Carlo revealing this week that his son will NOT be joining him in Brazil as he takes up the national team job.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page