Rangers have lost highly-rated manager Steven Gerrard to south of the border but the Ibrox hierarchy are already making moves to replace the 41-year-old in Glasgow.

What's the story?

According to Wales Online reporter Ian Mitchelmore, Swansea City boss Russell Martin has emerged as the 'early favourite' to take over the reins at Ibrox, although no formal approach has been made as of yet.

He tweeted: "Swansea boss Russell Martin is the early favourite to replace Steven Gerrard at Rangers. Senior figures at the club have tonight told me there's been no approach, but, as we know, things can change very quickly."

Mitchelmore's latest update follows on from a report by John Cross in the Daily Mirror claiming that the Glasgow giants have 'already made enquiries' over Martin's availability as they begin their search for a successor.

Rangers fans will be ecstatic

News that the Rangers hierarchy are considering an approach for Martin will leave large sections of the club's supporters feeling ecstatic, given his impressive work at both MK Dons and Swansea.

During his time at the Stadium MK, the 35-year-old tactician was lauded for implementing an “attractive, attacking style” by CEO Julian Winter, and his side's underlying numbers were extremely eye-catching.

Martin transformed his side into a possession-based team, continuously dominating the ball against League One opposition, while they also topped the possession x progressive passes per 90 minutes chart in 2020/21 – illustrating their highly efficient use of the ball. Considering how dominant Rangers are, this philosophy would suit them perfectly.

The Dons also became an extremely aggressive pressing side under their novice coach, allowing their opposition a minimal number of passes before triggering a defensive action, with their PPDA (passes per defensive action) ranking as the fifth-lowest in the league last term.

His outstanding work at MK Dons earned Martin a move to the Liberty Stadium over the summer, and he's already stamped his authority over the south Wales outfit.

The former Rangers loanee has guided the Swans to just three points outside of the Championship play-off places in the opening weeks of the current campaign after successfully transferring his philosophy into his new club.

With Martin following in the footsteps of an illustrious list of managers to take charge of Swansea, such as Brendan Rodgers, Roberto Martinez and Steve Cooper, the future certainly seems bright for the Scotsman, and he could be set for an imminent return to his homeland. This would surely leave fans elated if he did.

And, in other news...9-word claim on who could replace Gerrard at Rangers should flood fans with excitement