Russell Martin in Leicester talks as Rene Hake considered amid promotion rebuild task | OneFootball

Leicester City are in advanced talks to appoint former Southampton and Rangers manager Russell Martin, though he has not accepted the job. According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, he is the leading candidate, with Dutch coach Rene Hake also under serious consideration.

Whoever takes over will be tasked with rebuilding the squad and winning promotion from League One after the financial blow of back-to-back relegations to the third tier.

Owner Aiyawatt "Top" Srivaddhanaprabha is highly fond of Martin's possession-first approach, built on playing out from the back, which mirrors the structure used under Enzo Maresca.

Martin's record includes taking Southampton up to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, and a 25-game unbeaten run with the Saints. He was later dismissed after losing 13 of his first 16 Premier League matches, having refused to compromise his style.

A brief 17-game spell at Rangers also drew heavy criticism. His philosophy often takes time to bed in, which has divided the fanbase and would require patience during inevitable bumps as players learn the system.

Hake has held formal talks with the club hierarchy as a primary alternative to Martin.

He is expected to leave his role as Feyenoord's assistant after a sudden boardroom shake-up that saw Robin van Persie sacked. He also brings experience from previous coaching roles at Manchester United and across the Netherlands.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk