Kevin Muscat set to become the next Rangers manager | OneFootball

Rangers are close to appointing Shanghai Port manager Kevin Muscat as the permanent successor to Russell Martin, according to Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan.

They have been in talks with several managers, and the Australian emerged as the clear favourite after Danny Rohl pulled out of the job.

Rangers are expected to pay compensation to get Muscat, and it appears they have agreed terms with the Chinese Super League leaders.

However, they will need to wait for a few more weeks before the 52-year-old arrives as Shanghai Port are currently two points clear at the top of the league with four games to go.

Muscat won the Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup during the only season he spent with the Light Blues in 2002-03.

He won two A-League titles and one A-League Premiership title with Melbourne Victory. He also picked up the J1 League title as manager of Yokohama F Marinos.

Muscat won the Chinese Super League and Chinese FA Cup with Shanghai Port last year and will fancy his chances of challenging for the Scottish Premiership title at Rangers.

Rangers under-19 boss Steven Smith has taken charge of first-team training since Martin left and will be in the dugout when they resume league action against Dundee United at home on Saturday.

He is likely to remain in the position until Muscat arrives, and he will look to deliver over the next eight games across all competitions.