‘Rangers exit expected in the coming days’ as Martin prepares to lose Ibrox star

Russell Martin has plenty of work to do as he looks to get his Rangers squad into shape for their upcoming UEFA Champions League qualifier.

The Gers are facing a high-pressure couple of weeks, with their crucial European tie now approaching.

Martin’s men will take on Panathinaikos in the first leg on 22 July, in what will arguably be one of the most important games of their entire season.

The former Southampton boss will continue to work closely with Kevin Thelwell between now and then to ensure the Govan outfit have the best possible chance of advancing to the next stage and keeping their hopes of reaching the league phase alive.

Jose Cifuentes is expected to choose his new club imminently

Hamza Igamane’s future has become a key talking point at Rangers in recent weeks, but while interest mounts in several of the Bears’ key players, there is also an acceptance that some of the squad players need to be cleared out ahead of the new campaign.

Jose Cifuentes has been hotly tipped to be part of a sizeable contingent who leave Ibrox this summer, and now it seems as though the Ecuadorian could be about to decide on his future imminently.

The midfielder spent last season on loan at Greek side Aris, but is now understood to be “very likely” to depart Rangers permanently, according to reports from Ecuadorian journalist César Luis Merlo for Studio Futbol (10 July).

The 26-year-old is thought to have already held negotiations with Olympiacos, but no deal could be agreed, and there is now interest in him from several clubs across Europe and beyond.

Cifuentes is still seen as an attractive proposition for many clubs due to his international experience, and it’s thought that a decision on his next destination could be made “in the coming days.”

Rangers need a swift exit for Cifuentes

Quick and effective decision-making will be a key priority at Ibrox this summer as Rangers transition into the Martin era.

Their continental tie adds an even greater need for urgency in the transfer market, given that they are now facing their first competitive game at an even earlier date.

Cifuentes’ Scottish Premiership stats

With that in mind, Martin and Co. will surely be keen to see Cifuentes depart the club as quickly as possible. His stint in the Scottish Premiership simply hasn’t worked out, and with a permanent exit now seemingly benefiting all parties, Rangers will want a deal to be sealed soon.

A clear-out of some of the squad players is expected, as Rangers bid to cut down their wage bill to make room for fresh faces, and it looks as though Cifuentes could be the next man to depart.