Rangers transfer news: Morgan Whittaker move in limbo as Sky Sports report Southampton and Swansea Russell Martin issue
Morgan Whittaker’s future remains up in the air despite renewed interest from Rangers as there is reportedly still no agreement between Swansea and Southampton over Russell Martin.
The Light Blues are prepared to make a fourth bid for the winger after failing with three in the January transfer window according to Football Scotland (31 May), but the Swans are not willing to sanction any incoming or outgoing transfers until they have a new manager in place.
Martin is due to take over at the relegated Saints, but the two clubs have still not reached a breakthrough on compensation according to a Monday (5 June) update from Sky Sports.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, via the Football Daily Twitter account, Vicky Gomersall said: “Still no agreement between Southampton and Swansea over the appointment of Russell Martin at St. Mary’s.
“We’re told the issue is over the amount of compensation that Swansea are due. It’s thought there are two release clauses in his contract – one if he moves to a club in the Championship and a higher fee if he goes to a Premier League club.
“Now, the disagreement centres around when Southampton made their first approach.”
While the two clubs are set to be together in the Championship next season after the Saints were relegated from the top flight it appears Swansea are getting technical on the matter.
The Daily Record reported on Sunday night (4 June) that Michael Beale has already re-entered talks over a move for Whittaker, 22, but if the dispute over the Martin deal rumbles on he likely won’t be going anywhere for the foreseeable future.
The Rangers boss is attempting to get his business done as early as possible this summer because he has so much to do, with Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling already confirmed, and Jack Butland reportedly wrapped up as well [Fabrizio Romano, 5 June].
He is evidently keen to add former Plymouth loanee Whittaker to that haul but on current evidence the frustration he felt in the winter window looks set to continue while Swansea and Southampton settle their differences.
In other Rangers news, Beale is planning to make multiple signings at a key position and still keep hold of one exit-bound first-team player as well.