Ex-Rangers manager Russell Martin is said to be close to a return to management as Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy’s replacement at Columbus Crew.

The 39-year-old was dismissed at Ibrox after just 17 games, in which he only won five, following his appointment in June of this year.

However, Columbus Crew chiefs appear to be prepared to look beyond Martin’s forgetful Rangers tenure and offer the former Southampton boss a chance to rebuild his reputation in Ohio.

Wilfried Nancy departed the States for Parkhead at the beginning of December, but the Frenchman is already under huge pressure after he lost his opening four games, including defeats to league leaders Hearts and the League Cup final to St. Mirren.

This poor start led to rumours of a possible Ange Postecoglou return to Scotland and even Nancy himself returning to Columbus, which was quashed after Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson publicly backed his new appointment through club media.

The Crew’s next competitive game isn’t until February 22nd when they face Portland Timbers upon the start of the 2026 MLS season, with the 2023 MLS Cup champions afforded with some time to identify Nancy’s replacement.

Martin managed MK Dons and Swansea City before joining Southampton where he returned the Saints to the Premier League. That season in the top-flight seen the former Scotland international sacked, and he was appointed Rangers manager six months later.

The former Rangers loanee did not enjoy much success in Glasgow’s Southside as a player or manager, and will be hoping for a change in fortunes if a move to North America goes through which will see Martin leave the United Kingdom for the first time in his professional career.