Rangers appointing Kevin Muscat as next manager now in doubt despite an agreement being close last week | OneFootball

Rangers appointing Kevin Muscat as their next manager is now in doubt despite an agreement being close last week, according to journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs.

Rangers have been close to striking an agreement with the Shanghai Port manager and he had been expected to replace Russell Martin at the Ibrox club.

However, while the deal is not off, Muscat is taking time to assess whether the Gers’ recruitment model appeals to him following meetings with Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart.

Steven Gerrard rejected the chance to return as Rangers manager as he had doubts over their sporting structure and it appears Muscat has the same reservations.

The Liverpool hero Gerrard had some reservations working under the current Rangers sporting structure, and Muscat could turn down the job for the same reasons.

Nothing is concluded at the moment, but the update is not good news and the Light Blues are likely to return to square one in their search for a new boss.

Rangers are ready to pay a seven-figure compensation fee to get Shanghai Port to release their manager if a deal is finalised, but the move is at risk of falling through.

The Bears had been keen to wait until the current Chinese Super League season finishes on November 22 before Muscat resumes at Ibrox as Port are currently top of the league with three games left.

However, they may end up having to look elsewhere if the Australian is not pleased with their recruitment model and policy, and their search now looks likely to continue.

Rangers under-19 boss Steven Smith has been in interim charge of the first-team since Martin left, overseeing the 2-2 draw against Dundee United yesterday and could remain in charge for the Europa League trip to Brann on Thursday.