The managerial merry-go-round is just as intriguing as the summer transfer window for players these days and one name linked with Leeds United is now the centre of a Gretar Steinsson tug of war.
Steinsson of course, is a prominent figure at Elland Road. He was brought to Leeds prior to the summer of 2023 from Tottenham to work on the new-look transfer team, changing tact from Victor Orta’s regime.
The Spaniard’s one-man regime had major faults and Leeds chose to bring in a team of transfer experts to improve that area – which has worked. Steinsson though, has since moved upstairs with The 49ers.
Indeed, he is now The 49ers’ technical director. In what is a similar role to Jurgen Klopp with RedBull, he is tasked with overseeing decisions made by the clubs that fall under the umbrella of The 49ers Enterprises.
Steinsson battling Leicester to make Rangers appointment
Just a few days ago, Daniel Farke’s future at Leeds was under the microscope. In that time, a few names were touted with potentially replacing Farke and one manager considered was surprisingly Russell Martin.
The scurge of Leeds in the 2023-24 play-off final and throughout that season, Martin beat Farke’s Leeds three times including the fatal Wembley blow. But he was sacked by Southampton in the Premier League.
Without a job since, this summer looks as though Martin will re-enter the world of management. Leeds have since confirmed they will keep Farke – but Martin is a target for both Rangers and Leicester City.
Steinsson wants Martin at Ibrox, but there is a problem
The 49ers are closing in on a takeover of Rangers which will see Paraag Marathe’s portfolio grow from one to two clubs. They will need to appoint a manager with Barry Ferguson only in charge temporarily.
The Sun’s Alan Nixon reports on his Patreon channel that Rangers want Martin with Steinsson pushing to lure Farke’s old Norwich defender back to Ibrox, where Martin spent the second half of 2017-18 on loan.
However, there is an issue. Until The 49ers have completed a move to take over at Ibrox, they cannot sanction a deal to hire Martin and that perhaps hands Leicester an advantage, who also want Martin.
One thing seems to be for sure, and that is Martin won’t be rocking up at Elland Road any time soon. Whether that to be to replace Farke, or face Farke – with Leicester confirmed as relegated this season.
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