First Rangers departure of summer ‘close’ days after Russell Martin confirmed his internal Ibrox assessment.

After the 49ers took over the Glasgow giants, the Ibrox renovation is already well underway.

According to speculations, Issame Charai may leave his coaching staff under new manager Russell Martin due to an offer in Belgium. It comes just days after Martin revealed that he would evaluate the backroom staff as part of his internal Ibrox makeover. Rangers’ American revolution is well started following the mega-money US takeover, with the former Southampton manager eager to make his own mark on the club. Charai, the former Morocco Under-23 head coach, arrived at Ibrox in January to work under Philippe Clement, and he was the only member of the coaching staff who remained from the Belgian’s reign to work with Barry Ferguson.

Russell Martin, Rangers’ newly appointed head coach (Image: PA) He is still on the staff after Martin’s arrival, although sources in Belgium say he is the frontrunner to take over at KVC Westerlo. According to DH, a change is “likely” for the Belgian Pro League club, with boss Timmy Simons set to depart, with Charai – who formerly played for Mechelen and St-Trond – the favourite to succeed the outgoing manager. He is thought to be the club’s main option, and while Simons has yet to be officially dismissed, an agreement is “close” on a replacement. The allegation comes after Martin stated he would evaluate the structure of the coaching set-up after hiring Matt Gill as his assistant and physical performance coach Rhys Owen.

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