Steven Smith is set to take the reins at Rangers on an interim basis for their match against Dundee United this weekend, as discussions with Kevin Muscat continue. The Shanghai Port manager is close to securing the position left vacant by Russell Martin at Ibrox.
Danny Rohl, the former Sheffield Wednesday boss, had impressed Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe during talks last week, but has since withdrawn his candidacy. Ex-Rangers midfielder Muscat is currently in contract talks with the club’s American owners, with Neil McCann being considered to step in temporarily until Muscat can make the journey from China.
However, McCann will not be ready in time for the restart of the Scottish Premiership season after the international break this weekend. According to The Rangers Review, under-19 boss Smith will lead the team in Saturday’s game.
Smith has been overseeing first-team training since Martin’s departure and will remain in the Ibrox dugout while negotiations with Muscat and Shanghai Port are ongoing.
Rangers may have to fork out a seven-figure sum in compensation to secure Muscat’s release from Shanghai, where he is still under contract.
Chinese reports suggest that Muscat has a contract with Port until December 2026, earning him between £1.6million and £2m.
The Glasgow giants could face a compensation bill of around £1.5m to terminate the deal, while Port have already begun formulating a contingency plan should the manager leave.
Moreover, Muscat will only be permitted to depart the defending champions once consecutive Chinese Super League titles have been clinched. The league season concludes on November 22.
