Russell Martin joined Rangers on loan in January from Norwich City.
Rangers veteran Bruno Alves has been quoted by the Daily Record that he has no intention of retiring from club football and expects to remain at Ibrox next season, which could affect Russell Martin’s chances of staying permanently.
The 36-year-old powerhouse, who is currently with Portugal ahead of their 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia, has been in and out of the side this season – making him largely a fringe player.
However, his final day of the season performance after coming on in the first half to replace Sean Goss saw him shine, even scoring a sublime free kick from 25 yards out to net his second goal for the Gers.
But with a new manager coming in, in the form of Steven Gerrard, Alves could be given a clean slate at Ibrox and he has no intention of retiring or indeed moving this summer.
That will surely affect 32-year-old Martin’s chances of landing a permanent stay north of the border, after a number of questionable performances at the back have seen fans criticise the former Scotland international.
The Gers are set to lose David Bates to German side Hamburg, while Fabio Cardoso is very much ostracised with the Scottish giants. Centre-back, then, is a priority position for Gerrard in this summer’s transfer window.
It has seen the new manager linked with Martin Skrtel and Connor Goldson, but keeping Alves could be considered key by the former England and Liverpool captain.
But with Alves now expected to stay, that is if Gerrard wants him, Martin is surely less likely to earn a permanent deal from Norwich.
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