The wage cap, which was US$2.5 million in the first three editions of the league, has been trimmed to US$2 million

Matt Roller02-Jun-2025

The UAE’s ILT20 has cut team salary caps by 20% after avoiding a direct clash with South Africa’s SA20 in the 2025-26 season. Each team will be permitted to spend up to US$2 million on player salaries this season, after a wage cap of US$2.5 million in the first three editions of the league.ESPNcricinfo has learned that there is a belief among the six franchises that they have overspent on wages, and that many top players will still play in the league for slightly lower salaries thanks to a clearer window this year.The ILT20 will shift forward this season, running from December 2 until January 4, and will only briefly clash with the SA20. The two leagues have competed directly against one another for talent in their first three seasons, and ILT20 chief executive David White said a key reason to move is to enable the league to “access a bigger pool of players”.Related

ILT20: Powell, Ghazanfar retained; Hales, Livingstone among new signings

ILT20 to move to December-January window for 2025-26 season

Leagues like ILT20 'not good for the game' – Graeme Smith

The league is also expected to move to an auction model for the 2025-26 season, after relying on direct signings in its first three years. ESPNcricinfo has learned that an auction is due to take place in September, with franchises in the process of working through their retentions in the meantime. Teams will still be permitted to spend an additional US$250,000 on additional ‘wildcard’ signings.The ILT20’s business model relies heavily on a long-term TV deal with Zee TV, the Indian broadcaster, and the league has been criticised for its low minimum requirement of only two local UAE players in each playing XI. Dubai Capitals are the defending champions, after Gulf Giants (2023) and MI Emirates (2024) won the first two titles.The ILT20’s decision to trim the wage cap could provide an indirect boost to the Big Bash League [BBL] ahead of its upcoming draft. The BBL has struggled to retain its leading overseas players in recent years, who have either left for the UAE before the knockout stages or skipped the league altogether, but will hope that the ILT20’s cost-cutting plays in its favour.

Chelsea have now joined the race for a “flamboyant” forward, who is also being targeted by Bayern Munich, it has been revealed.

Blues set sights on another young forward

Jamie Carragher has repeatedly made it clear he isn’t a fan of the Blues’ recruitment policy, suggesting the ownership are now focusing too much on signing young players, rather than trying to compete for major trophies.

The Sky Sports pundit said: “Chelsea are not being judged to the same standard they were under Abramovich because they are hiding behind a prolonged transitional phase, which keeps extending by targeting a similar profile of young players in each transfer window.”

In truth, it is difficult to disagree with the former Liverpool man, given that a number of the Blues’ summer additions haven’t exactly hit the ground running, with young wingers Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho failing to register a Premier League goal or assist between them.

It was arguably a questionable decision to focus so heavily on bringing in new forwards in the summer, given that it may have made more sense to sign a new centre-back following the ACL injury suffered by Levi Colwill.

However, it appears as though Chelsea are set to continue their current approach in the transfer market, with a report from Absolut Fussball revealing they have recently joined the race for FC Koln forward Said El Mala, who is attracting widespread interest.

Indeed, El Mala is also being targeted by Bayern Munich, and a number of the Premier League’s top clubs, with Brighton & Hove Albion making an approach in the summer, at which point a deal may have amounted to €20m (£17m).

Related Club 'ready to accept' potential £52m Chelsea bid for defender wanted by Real Madrid

The Blues and Todd Boehly could make a sizeable saving in the market.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Oct 11, 2025

However, the German side may soon be able to fetch a higher transfer fee, given that a number of big clubs are keen, following an impressive start to the campaign…

"Flamboyant" El Mala off to solid start in the Bundesliga

Despite being just 19-years-old, the starlet has already established himself as an important player for FC Koln, having made six Bundesliga appearances this season, during which time he has amassed two goals and one assist.

Most recently, the Germany U21 winger scored the only goal of the game as his side triumphed 1-0 away at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, which led to his side moving up to sixth place.

The FC Koln star has also been praised by Jacek Kulig in the past, with the scout describing him as a “flamboyant” winger, who is skilled at creating chances and dribbling, while also possessing an impressive work-rate.

El Mala clearly has the talent to be a success at Stamford Bridge, but it would make little sense to bring in yet another young winger, having signed Gittens and Garnacho during the summer.

Instead, it would be a better idea to bring in a new centre-back in January, given the scale of the injury crisis Enzo Maresca faces, with Colwill expected to miss the majority of the season.

MatériaMais Notícias

Mano Menezes está de volta ao Corinthians! A última passagem do técnico pelo clube tinha sido encerrada em 2014. Mano retornou ao Timão após a demissão de Vanderlei Luxemburgo após o empate em 1 a 1 contra o Fortaleza pela partida de ida da semifinal da Copa Sul-Americana. De volta, o comandante terá velhos conhecidos no elenco.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansCorinthians acerta retorno de Mano Menezes, e técnico já comandará treinamentoCorinthians28/09/2023CorinthiansAlém de Tite e Mano, entenda os motivos que levaram à demissão de Luxemburgo no CorinthiansCorinthians28/09/2023

+Olho no Brasileirão! Assine o Prime Video e acompanhe todos os jogos do seu time do coração!

Ao todo, oito jogadores do atual grupo corintiano já foram treinados por Mano Menezes. Dos oito, seis estavam presente na última passagem do treinador pelo Parque São Jorge. São eles: Cássio, Fagner, Fábio Santos, Gil, Renato Augusto e Ángel Romero. No caso de Renato Augusto, o meia também foi comandado pelo treinador na Seleção Brasileira.

Paulinho é outro jogador que já foi comandado por Mano no Corinthians. Ele esteve junto ao treinador por poucos meses em 2010, último ano da primeira passagem do técnico pelo Corinthians. Inclusive, foi o próprio Mano que sugeriu que o Timão contratasse Paulinho junto ao Bragantino.

continua após a publicidade

+Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Já o uruguaio Bruno Méndez tem recordações de Mano Menezes em outro clube. O defensor trabalhou com o técnico gaúcho no ano passado, quando esteve emprestado ao Internacional. De 12 jogos no Inter com Mano, Méndez atuou em oito, sendo sete como titular.

OS ‘ROSTOS CONHECIDOS’ DE MANO MENEZES:

Cássio

O goleiro titular do Corinthians jogou com Mano Menezes no ano de 2014, estando presente em 35 dos 38 jogos do Corinthians no Brasileirão.

Bruno Méndez

O uruguaio Bruno Méndez tem recordações de Mano Menezes atuando pelo Internacional. De 12 jogos que fizeram juntos, Méndez atuou em oito, sendo sete como titular.

continua após a publicidade

Gil

Gil também jogou com Mano em 2014, o zagueiro atuou em 34 das 38 partidas do alvinegro no Brasileirão, marcando quatro gols e tomando seis cartões amarelos, e não contabilizou nenhuma expulsão.

Fábio Santos

Na última passagem do treinador pelos lados Alvinegros, Fábio Santos também estava presente, atuando em 35 das 38 partidas do Corinthians pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, o jogador marcou quatro gols, deu duas assistências, contabilizou cinco cartões amarelos e um cartão vermelho.

Fágner

O lateral retornava ao clube que o revelou para o futebol em 2014, a frente da equipe se encontrava Mano Menezes, e nas mãos do treinador Fágner atuou em 35 das 38 partidas do clube no Brasileiro, marcando dois gols, e levando ao todo oito cartões amarelos na competição.

Paulinho

Mano Menezes em 2010, pediu a contratação de Paulinho junto ao Bragantino, o volante fez sua estreia na eliminação corintiana da Libertadores naquele ano para o Flamengo, e no Brasileiro, sob o comando do treinador, atuou em cinco partidas e marcando um gol.

Renato Augusto

A sua relação com o treinador é bem boa, mesmo antes de ele vir para o Corinthians em 2014, ele convocava Renato para a Seleção no período em que esteve a frente da Canarinho, porém, sob o comando de Mano no Corinthians, Renato atuou em 30 das 38 partidas no Brasileiro, marcando um gol e distribuindo oito assistências, levando apenas um cartão amarelo na competição.

Ángel Romero

A pedido de Mano, vindo do Cerro Porteño em 2014, Romero caiu nas graças do treinador, atuando em 21 das 38 rodadas do clube no Brasileiro, marcando dois gols e levando apenas um cartão amarelo.

Tudo sobre

BrasileirãoCorinthiansLance!

يواصل النادي الأهلي تحركاته في سوق الانتقالات الشتوية المقبلة، بحثًا عن ظهير أيسر يعوض النقص الذي يعاني منه الفريق في هذا المركز بعد رحيل علي معلول.

ويضع الأهلي عينه على عدد من المواهب الإفريقية، أبرزهم نجم نيجيري صاعد لفت الأنظار في الآونة الأخيرة.

وتأتي هذه التحركات في ظل استمرار أزمة الظهير الأيسر، خاصة بعد إعارة كريم الدبيس إلى سيراميكا كليوباترا، وتذبذب مستوى محمد شكري الذي يعاني من إصابات متكررة خلال الفترة الأخيرة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. حقيقة “الغضب والمشادة” في غرفة ملابس الأهلي بحضور عبد الحفيظ ووليد صلاح الدين

ويُعد أوديناكا أوكورو، ظهير نادي سبورتنج لاجوس النيجيري، أحد أبرز الأسماء المطروحة أمام الأهلي، خصوصًا بعد تألقه مع منتخب بلاده للشباب في كأس العالم تحت 20 عامًا التي أقيمت في تشيلي، حيث شارك في أربع مباريات أساسيًا.

وفي تصريح خاص لـ بطولات، كشف جودين إيناخينا، رئيس نادي لاجوس النيجيري، عن تفاصيل اهتمام الأهلي باللاعب، قائلًا: “علمت من المدير الرياضي للنادي أن الأهلي مهتمًا بلاعبنا وظهيرنا الأيسر، أوديناكا أوكورو، منذ شهر مايو الماضي”.

وأضاف: “لكن ما علمته أيضًا أن الأهلي لم يتقدم بعرض رسمي، ولدينا استعداد لمناقشة الأمر إذا حدث ذلك، وكان عرضه أفضل مما جاء لنا من خارج إفريقيا”.

وأكد رئيس لاجوس في ختام حديثه: “نادينا منفتح على التفاوض مع الأهلي إذا أبدى جدية، لأن هناك رغبة في تطوير اللاعبين ومنحهم الفرصة للاحتراف في أندية كبرى”.

Crystal Palace are thought to be in pole position to sign a new forward who stunned Chelsea earlier this year.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner responds to Man Utd rumours

The Eagles have enjoyed a brilliant start to the 2025/26 Premier League season after lifting the FA Cup and Community Shield earlier this year and are now on a club-record 18-game unbeaten run.

Saturday’s dramatic win against champions Liverpool saw Palace move on to 12 points after six games, with Eddie Nketiah’s late winner ending the Reds’ 100% start to the campaign.

As a result of the brilliant job Oliver Glasner is doing at Selhurst Park, he continues to be linked with roles elsewhere.

There have been claims he is on Manchester United’s radar to replace Ruben Amorim, with reports even suggesting he would take the Old Trafford job “in a heartbeat”.

“My information is if Glasner was offered the Manchester United job, he would take it in a heartbeat.” (Ben Jacobs)

However, when asked about the direct rumours of a move to Manchester and other ‘top clubs’, Glasner has now said:

Steve Parish and co will be hoping Glasner continues in his position when the January 2026 transfer window opens, and it looks as if the Eagles are already working on one potential addition.

Matthew McConaughey reveals shock Premier League team that he's a "fan" of

The Hollywood star has made an unexpected reveal…

By
Tom Cunningham

Oct 1, 2025

Crystal Palace "in negotiations" to sign Flamengo forward Wallace Yan

According to reports in Brazil, relayed by Sport Witness, Crystal Palace are thought to be in pole position ahead of Wolves to sign Flamengo forward Wallace Yan in 2026.

The Eagles had talks in the summer which will continue into the New Year. Flamengo director Jose Boto is aware of Palace’s talks for Yan which involve the player’s agent, Claudio Guadagno.

Journalist Julio Miguel Neto said: “The Flamengo forward is in negotiations to move to Europe, and Crystal Palace appear as the main interested party.”

At the age of 20, Yan has now scored seven goals in 28 appearances for Flamengo’s first team after coming through the academy, two of which came at the Club World Cup. He even sealed a shock win for the Brazilian side over eventual winners Chelsea, scoring the third goal of a 3-1 win late on.

Filipe Luis, a former Chelsea left-back, is the manager of Flamengo and has described what Yan is like as a centre-forward.

“He uses both feet and finishes very well with either. He is light, versatile, healthy and a finisher. I see him much more as a nine, a guy who attacks space.”

A move to Selhurst Park is seemingly being worked on behind the scenes, making this one to watch over the coming months.

Manchester United will hope to strategise for the long-term under INEOS and could now be set to up their pursuit of a talented teenager who may arrive at Old Trafford.

Manchester United's long-held relationship with developing talent

Whether it be integrating graduates from Carrington or buying young talent before developing them into first-team stars, the Red Devils have a long history of promoting prodigious assets and it is something that has characterized the backbone of the club.

Since 1937, Manchester United’s proud record of having an academy player present in every matchday squad has never faded, though it has been at risk one too many times under Ruben Amorim.

Either way, the Red Devils have made a concerted effort to recruit youngsters of late, with Sekou Kone and Diego Leon examples of investments for the future.

JJ Gabriel and Chido Obi Martin are also highly promising Red Devils’ talents, while Ayden Heaven’s emergence since joining from Arsenal has saw the defender make several first-team appearances.

Ultimately, the aim is to build a pipeline of future senior stars under INEOS, easing pressure on the club to buy players and, in turn, reducing the impact that PSR regulations will have on their ability to spend.

"Can't cope" – Paul Scholes slams incapable Man Utd trio ahead of Liverpool game

The Red Devils legend has given a scathing assessment.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 19, 2025

Years under the Glazers resulted in mounting debt, but there is now a feeling that sustainability is achievable with the correct measures put in place in Manchester, albeit this process will take time and patience.

Expectation to claim results at Old Trafford will always be paramount. However, seeing a plan in place will afford the club more patience as they aim to get back among the Premier League elite.

With that in mind, Manchester United have a new talent on their mind who has plenty of promise and could come in to strengthen the ranks at youth level.

Man Utd eyeing move for Coventry City youngster George Shephard

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United are eyeing a move for Coventry City youngster George Shephard, who is already loved by Frank Lampard as he was on the bench for the Championship outfit in their victory over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

This follows an impressive string of performances for their Under-21 side, offering recognition for displays as he remains someone who could be fast-tracked into the senior set-up on a more regular basis.

Predominantly used on the right flank or as an attacking midfielder, Shephard is yet to sign professional forms at Coventry and his situation has alerted a number of clubs, including Manchester United.

Now, it remains to be seen whether the prospect of developing at Carrington would appeal to him as he looks to make a mark in senior football. Most young players would jump at the chance, so it will be intriguing to see if he makes the jump.

Xabi Alonso has admitted that a "conversation" is forthcoming with Vinicius Junior after his angry reaction to being substituted in El Clasico on Sunday. Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 at the Bernabeu courtesy of goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham to go five points clear at the top of the Liga table. Vinicius' reaction to his withdrawal, however, dominated part of Alonso's post-match press conference.

AFPVinicius erupts with rage after coming off

Vinicius couldn't believe his eyes when his number came up in the 72nd minute as Real Madrid pushed for a third against Barcelona. The Brazil international was furious as he trudged off the Bernabeu pitch, throwing his arms in the air and shaking his head.

The 25-year-old refused to acknowledge head coach Alonso when he came off for Rodrygo and rather than take his place on the bench, he instead headed straight down the tunnel. Vinicius did eventually come back out and sat on the bench for the final knockings of El Clasico.

The match ended on a sour note as tempers flared in the dying embers once Pedri was dismissed for a second yellow for a foul on Aurelien Tchouameni, and Vinicius was involved in a heated confrontation with Barcelona stars Alejandro Balde, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

Advertisement'There are different personalities in any dressing room'

Vinicius had to be held back by a member of the Real Madrid backroom staff, while Alonso sought to defuse the situation after the full-time whistle. And while Alonso has admitted that he will have a "conversation" with Vinicius about his angry reaction to being substituted, he insists there is "no problem" between him and the Brazilian.

Alonso said: "Vini’s character? There are different personalities in any dressing room. Right now we will enjoy the win, then we’ll have a conversation, for sure."

Vinicius' status as a guaranteed starter has come under threat this season, with the attacker having been benched for Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Marseille and in La Liga fixtures against Getafe and Oviedo.

AFPVinicius reacted angrily to substitution against Espanyol

Vinicius also reacted poorly to his 77th-minute withdrawal in the 2-0 win over Espanyol last month. The Brazil international had provided the assist for Kylian Mbappe's second-half strike, yet threw a water bottle to the floor and waved his arms around in disbelief before Alonso pulled him to one side for a chat.

"The only thing Vinicius was missing was a goal," Alonso said of Vinicius' reactoon. "It’s true that he came off the pitch when he was feeling best and I could have waited a bit to replace him, but I understood that we needed fresh players to maintain control. Vinicius wanted to stay on because he was feeling good.

"Franco [Mastantuono] wanted to carry on playing too. He said to me, ‘Are you taking me off?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’ Something similar happened with Vini. He wasn’t very happy, but neither was Franco. It happens to everyone, but I’m very happy with Vinicius’s performance. The schedule is demanding and we have to keep going."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Real Madrid gear up for Valencia clash

Vinicius is expected to be presented with the chance to add to his five goals and four assists in 2025-26 when Real Madrid welcome Valencia to the Bernabeu for their third successive home game next weekend. Los Blancos have won all five home games this season after Sunday's heated Clasico win over Barcelona and have lost just once all season – a 5-2 defeat at local rivals Atletico Madrid last month.

Real Madrid lost their last home meeting with Valencia 2-1 last season. Vinicius Junior scored Real Madrid's only goal in that loss, and has a decent record against Valencia in the capital, having scored in each of Los Blancos' last four home league meetings with Carlos Corberan's side.

Valencia will make the trip to the capital on a five-match winless run following Saturday's disappointing 2-0 home loss to Villarreal.

انتهت مباراة الزمالك مع منافسه طلائع الجيش، بفوز الأبيض بنتيجة 3-1 في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما مساء اليوم ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري.

وأقيمت المباراة بين الزمالك وطلائع الجيش، على أرضية استاد القاهرة، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الـ13 من الدوري.

وبهذه النتيجة، وصل رصيد الزمالك إلى النقطة 22 في المركز الثاني بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، بعدما فاز بـ6 لقاءات وتعادل في 4 مواجهات وتلقى هزيمتين.

ويدخل الزمالك في منافسة جديدة وصعبة بمواجهة قوية أمام بيراميدز في نصف نهائي بطولة السوبر المصري، ساعيًا للتتويج باللقب المحلي.

طالع | ترتيب هدافي الدوري المصري بعد ثنائية ناصر ماهر وهدف الدباغ أمام طلائع الجيش

وكان الزمالك قد خسر بطولة كأس السوبر المصري في الموسم الماضي، لصالح الأهلي، بالمباراة التي انتهت بضربات الجزاء الترجيحية. موعد مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز في السوبر المصري

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الزمالك أمام بيراميدز، يوم الخميس المقبل، 6 نوفمبر الجاري، وتنطلق في تمام الساعة 07:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 08:30 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، 09:30 مساءً بتوقيت الإمارات.

Bayern Munich’s plan to welcome back Jerome Boateng as an intern under Vincent Kompany has collapsed amid fan outrage over the former defender’s past conviction. The ex-German international, who had hoped to begin his coaching journey at the club where he won everything, has now stepped back, urging focus on Bayern’s success while he turns toward his A-license studies.

• Bayern’s plan with Boateng and the fallout

  Bayern had intended to bring Boateng back home in a mentorship role under Kompany. The plan was simple but symbolic as the 2014 World Cup winner, who spent a decade in Munich winning nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues, would begin his post-playing career where it all began, learning the ropes of management.

  The club had approved the short internship as part of Boateng’s A-license certification, giving him hands-on experience with one of Europe’s top technical setups. Kompany, who shared a dressing room with Boateng at Manchester City, was said to be enthusiastic about having him join the staff in a developmental capacity.

  However, what began as a low-key initiative quickly turned into a storm. Bayern fans launched protests, both online and at the Allianz Arena, condemning the decision and citing Boateng’s 2024 conviction for intentional bodily harm. Supporters unfurled banners reading: “No place for violence at Bayern,” and a petition titled: “Set boundaries against misogynistic violence” gained thousands of signatures within days. The growing backlash led Boateng and Bayern to jointly decide to cancel the arrangement.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Boateng speaks out after fan's protest

  For Boateng, the internship cancellation was a painful but calculated decision. The former Bayern centre-back, who had initially expressed joy at returning to Sabener Strasse, admitted that the controversy took a toll on him. Yet, in his words, his focus remains on rebuilding and contributing to football from another angle. 

  In a message on Instagram, the defender announced: “After the recent discussions surrounding me, I’ve decided to focus on my topics – the A license, RYZR, and Arena2. That’s where my focus is right now, and your full focus should be solely on the pitch and the goal of continuing this impressive streak of 13 consecutive victories.”

  Bayern echoed his sentiment in a statement on social media. The statement from the club said: “In a constructive exchange that FC Bayern and Jérôme Boateng had this week, it was decided that Jérôme Boateng will not be an intern at FC Bayern. Jérôme feels very connected to FC Bayern and does not want FC Bayern to suffer any damage due to the current controversial discussion surrounding him.”

  The withdrawal helped defuse rising tensions with supporters, ensuring that the club’s image and fan unity remained intact. Yet the episode also reignited debate about rehabilitation in football and how former players with legal histories can rebuild their careers.

• Boateng's legal saga and it's impact

  The uproar around Boateng’s return stems from a six-year legal saga that shadowed the twilight of his playing career. The case dated back to July 2018, when Boateng was accused of assaulting his former partner, Sherin Senler, during a vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

  Boateng consistently denied the allegations, but the case went through multiple appeals and retrials. In September 2021, a Munich court initially fined him €1.8 million, later reduced to €1.2 million after appeal. In July 2024, the final verdict imposed a suspended fine of €200,000 and ordered him to donate €100,000 to charity, though no criminal record was issued. The court emphasised protecting the couple’s daughters, calling them “the real victims” of the prolonged legal dispute.

  While the case ended without jail time, its reputational impact was immense. The controversy affected Boateng’s final playing years, limiting his club prospects. After leaving Bayern in 2021, he had brief stints in France and Italy before retiring in 2025, closing a glittering chapter that included over 300 appearances, nine Bundesliga titles, six DFB-Pokals and two Champions League crowns.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What’s next for Boateng and Bayern?

  Although the internship has been shelved, the Bavarians made it clear that the door to the club remains symbolically open. The management and Kompany personally thanked Boateng for his understanding, emphasising that his contributions to the club’s legacy would always be remembered.

  Sources close to Bayern indicated that the original plan was for Boateng to shadow the coaching staff through early 2026, but fan sentiment made the move untenable. Kompany, meanwhile, has publicly supported the decision while urging focus on the team’s ongoing campaign.

  Boateng, for his part, has pivoted his energy toward the next chapter, completing his UEFA A coaching license, expanding his athlete recovery company RYZR, and developing Arena2, a project focused on community-based sports performance.

Russell Martin’s tenure at Glasgow Rangers looks like it could be a short one, as there are already rumblings about him being removed from the role.

Earlier in the month, The I Paper’s chief football correspondent, Daniel Storey, wrote about how the 49ers Enterprises were at Ibrox and saw “the poor fare, they heard the boos, and they will not have missed the banners of dissent”, which would likely have had an effect on their thoughts around Martin.

Since then, things haven’t improved at Rangers as they remain winless in the Scottish Premiership, and their only wins have come in the Scottish League Cup.

With the situation nearly becoming untenable, the board may soon start to look at a previous managerial candidate to fill the role, should they give Martin the boot.

Rangers could look to recreate Celtic's Postecoglou's success

As per The Daily Record journalist Gavin Berry, one of the candidates that could be top of the list if Martin leaves is Kevin Muscat:

Muscat’s career thus far has followed a similar trajectory to that of Postecoglou’s, where he started in Australia and has now moved on to the Asian Leagues. The similarities go even further with both coaches having tenures at Melbourne Victory and Yokohama F. Marinos, with Muscat taking over from Postecoglou at both clubs.

Muscat is currently at the Chinese club Shanghai Port FC, where he has won both the Chinese FA Cup and the Chinese Super Cup.

Martin vs Postecoglou and why Muscat is the best candidate

Martin and Postecoglou had very different styles of play when managing in Scotland, and at the moment, it seems like the new Nottingham Forest manager’s style better fits the Scottish Premiership.

At Southampton, Martin’s style of play focused on playing out from the back and dominating possession. With a Premier League-quality side in the Championship, they were able to dominate games and secure promotion, but when they were promoted and were one of the weaker teams in the league, the tactic was ineffective.

When Martin was appointed to Rangers, it was speculated that he might be able to recreate the dominance he found in the Championship, but this has yet to happen.

Postecoglou’s method also saw his side with a high level of possession, but with a much higher line and greater attacking output. This saw his Celtic side average 2.3 points a game during his time there, leading to his winning the domestic treble. Muscat’s career may have been influenced by Postecoglou, and his sides have demonstrated the same attacking ethos.

Based on this, Postecoglou’s style of play seems to be the better one for the Scottish Premiership, so if they do decide to sack Martin, then Muscat and his attacking tactics would be the best possible replacement.