Leicester are on the verge of appointing Russell Martin as their new manager, with the 40-year-old former Scotland defender set to return to management for the first time since his dismissal from Rangers in October.

The Foxes had identified Martin as a target last summer before he ultimately opted to join Rangers. Leicester then turned to Marti Cifuentes, who was dismissed in January after just six months at the helm.

A club in freefall

Under interim manager Gary Rowett, Leicester suffered a second consecutive relegation, dropping into League One after their demotion from the Premier League in 2024-25. The club's troubles were compounded by a six-point deduction for breaching English Football League financial rules.

Martin's spell at Rangers lasted only 17 games — he was shown the door while the club sat eighth in the Scottish Premiership — though he is understood to have attracted considerable interest from several clubs this summer.

Martin's managerial record

The former defender built his reputation in the dugout at MK Dons and Swansea before his finest hour arrived at Southampton, where he guided the club to the Premier League by clinching the Championship play-offs in 2023-24.

Should the appointment be confirmed, Martin will become Leicester's seventh manager in a little over three years — a turbulent run that began with the departure of Brendan Rogers in April 2023.