Why Rangers' deal for Kevin Muscat fell apart as board draw up new manager names

Rangers are back on the hunt for a new manager after negotiations with Kevin Muscat fell through. The Ibrox bosses were in advanced talks with the Australian, poised to make him Russell Martin's successor. However, club insiders reveal that Muscat's unwillingness to immediately depart from Chinese team Shanghai Port scuppered the deal.

The former Rangers defender is keen to see out their Super League season, where he's just three matches away from clinching a title. Rangers ultimately decided they didn't want to wait until December for Muscat's arrival. Despite this, he was eager for an Ibrox return, according to the Daily Record.

After initial discussions with American owners Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe, Muscat was on the brink of finalising a deal.

Subsequent talks with chief executive Patrick Stewart, sporting director Kevin Thelwell and 49ers Enterprises advisor Gretar Steinsson failed to reach an agreement.

Consequently, the Ibrox club have resumed their search for a new boss. Steven Gerrard was initially their prime target and met with Gers chiefs in London before withdrawing himself from contention.

At that juncture, Rangers approached other managers, including German coach Danny Rohl. But when Muscat entered the picture, the former Sheffield Wednesday boss also pulled out of the process.

Rangers were confident about securing the Australian and believed they had a broad agreement in place. However, on Sunday, negotiations fell through with Muscat choosing to remain in China where he has another year left on his contract.

Rangers maintain they hadn't pinned all their hopes on Muscat and have consistently considered other alternatives. Now, Thelwell and his team will start to investigate these options, eager to make a decision in the forthcoming days.

On Saturday, youth coach Steven Smith led the team for their Premiership match against Dundee United, resulting in a hard-fought draw at Ibrox.

He's currently getting the players ready for Thursday night's crucial Europa League match against Brann Bergen in Norway.

Yet, he remains uncertain whether he'll be managing from the sidelines or if the club will succeed in finding Martin's successor after missing out on Muscat.