Kevin Muscat's move to Ibrox thrown into doubt as reports claim talks between Australian and Rangers officials have stalled

Rangers' hopes of making Kevin Muscat their next manager have been cast in doubt, with advanced negotiations between the Australian and club officials reported to have stalled.

The last man standing to replace Russell Martin after Steven Gerrard and Danny Rohl withdrew from the running, Muscat’s initial talks with the club’s American owners last week were said to have gone well.

However, having then spoken with chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell, the 52-year-old is believed to be unsure whether he would fit into the Ibrox club’s new recruitment model.

Muscat has already made it clear that he is committed to his current job with Shanghai Port until the conclusion of the Chinese Super League, meaning he might not be ready to start work until November 22.

The Rangers hierarchy were prepared to accept that condition, with Muscat suggesting that former Ibrox team-mate Neil McCann could hold the fort until his arrival.

While the deal is not off, it now appears that Stewart and Thelwell have a lot of work to do to convince Muscat to walk away from his contract with Shanghai, which still has a year to run.

Rangers Under-19s coach Steven Smith acted as caretaker manager for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Dundee United in the Premiership at Ibrox