Russell Martin is eager to make his mark at Rangers with backing from Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises.
The new Ibrox boss is reportedly eyeing reinforcements from his former club Southampton, with Flynn Downes emerging as a key target. However, landing the midfielder won’t come cheap, as Southampton are holding firm on their valuation.
Martin is wasting no time in the transfer market as he looks to revamp his squad. Having previously managed Downes at Swansea and brought him to Southampton, it’s no surprise he’s keen to work with the 26-year-old once again. Following the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League, Downes may also be open to a fresh challenge in the Scottish Premiership.
According to The Scottish Sun (7 June), Southampton are demanding a minimum of £10 million for the “classy playmaker,” and Rangers won’t be offered a discount. With Martin reportedly given a £20 million budget, Downes would account for half of his funds—making this a significant decision.
While Downes’ quality and established relationship with Martin make the deal attractive, the steep asking price could prove problematic. Rangers still have several positions to address, and careful financial planning will be crucial.
It remains uncertain whether Martin can negotiate more favourable terms with Southampton—especially given the club’s possible resentment toward their former manager following their relegation. For now, Rangers may need to explore other options in the market before committing to such a sizable outlay this early in the window.
