Russell Martin 'ready to raid' former club for Rangers transfer business

Rangers are reportedly interested in signing Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes.

The Saints are preparing for life back in the Championship after enduring a sobering campaign in the Premier League during 2024-25.

Neither Russell Martin or Ivan Juric could stop the rot with the Saints, who collected just 12 points across 38 top-flight battles.

As a result, Juric is no longer in a job on the South Coast, with the Croatian preparing to take the helm at Atalanta BC in Italy.

Southampton got their business in the managerial hotseat completed early ahead of 2025-26, with Will Still announced as the new head coach.

Rangers want £10m Southampton man?

According to The Sun, Rangers manager Martin is targeting a raid of his former employers ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 term.

The report claims that the Gers are keen on bringing Southampton midfielder Downes to Ibrox during the summer transfer window.

It is understood that Martin has made the signing of the 26-year-old a top priority during his maiden trading point at the helm.

Staring a campaign of second-tier football in the face, Downes is supposedly available for £10m from the Saints this summer.

Such a fee would wipe out a large chunk of Rangers' reported transfer budget, with the Scottish giants said to be operating with £20m in the kitty.

Martin-Downes connection

On loan at Southampton during the 2023-24 term, Downes was key to Martin's Southampton as they secured promotion to the Premier League.

Martin was absolutely desperate to get the 26-year-old back to St Mary's Stadium permanently for the Premier League season, and the manager got his wish.

The pair are now looking likely to reunite at Rangers, after also crossing paths at Swansea City during the 2021-22 Championship campaign.

Written by
Carter White