Stephen Smith is set to take the reins of Rangers on an interim basis for this weekend’s game against Dundee United as talks with Kevin Muscat continue. The Shanghai Port Authority is close to filling the position vacated by Russell Martin at Ibrox.
Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rolle impressed Andrew Kavena and Parag Malate during a meeting last week, but later withdrew his candidacy. Former Rangers midfielder Muscat is currently in contract negotiations with the club’s American owners, with Neil McCann being considered as a temporary replacement until Muscat can travel from China.
However, McCann will not be fit for the resumption of the Scottish Premiership season after this weekend’s international break. According to the Rangers Review, Under-19 coach Smith will lead the team for Saturday’s game.
Smith has overseen first-team training since Martin’s departure and will remain in the Ibrox dugout while negotiations between Muscat and Shanghai Port continue.
Rangers may have to pay a seven-figure compensation fee to release Muscat from Shanghai, who is still under contract.
Muscat has a contract with Port until December 2026, with an annual salary of between £1.6m and £2m, according to Chinese reports.
The Glasgow giants could be required to pay around £1.5m in compensation to get out of his contract, but Port has already started drawing up contingency plans in the event of his departure.
Furthermore, Muscat will only be allowed to leave the defending champions if they win back-to-back Chinese Super League titles. The league season ends on November 22nd.
