Martin pursues Meghoma loan deal - but rules out Igamane

Rangers head coach Russell Martin looks focused ahead of Champions League action (Illustrative image) (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images) Getty Images

Rangers head coach Russell Martin is pursuing a loan deal for Brentford left-back Jayden Meghoma while insisting striker Hamza Igamane isn't ready for Champions League duty. The tactical decisions come as Rangers prepare for their crucial qualifying play-off against Club Brugge.

Martin worked with 19-year-old Meghoma during his time at Southampton and watched him move to Brentford for £10million in 2024 before a successful loan spell at Preston North End. The England youth international represents a strategic replacement as Jefte prepares to depart for Brazil.

Squad reshaping continues

Jefte is set to join Palmeiras in a deal worth up to £6million, leaving Rangers needing cover at left-back. Martin started yesterday's 4-2 Premier Sports Cup win over Alloa with Bailey Rice in the position, highlighting the urgency for reinforcement.

Ridvan Yilmaz is also tipped to return to Turkey, further depleting options in the position. Martin described Meghoma as "top talent" who "plays for England at all the youth levels" and expressed hope the player would soon become a Rangers signing.

Asked if Igamane was ready to start against Club Brugge despite his promising substitute appearance, Martin replied: "No. I think we have to look at his physical condition. He's literally just come back." The Moroccan replaced an ineffective Danilo but won't be thrown into Champions League action immediately.

Cup progression secured

Rangers overcame Alloa 4-2 with goals from Nedim Bajrami, Manny Fernandez, James Tavernier and Findlay Curtis. The victory came despite Martin making 10 changes to his team, resulting in some disjointed moments.

Mikey Moore made his Rangers debut following his loan switch from Tottenham, showing glimpses of his potential. Thelo Aasgaard also returned from thigh trouble to feature in the second half.

Martin admitted frustration with defensive lapses that allowed Alloa to make the score 3-2 late in the game. "I saw some really good bits and some stuff that I didn't like, but I don't think I expected anything different," he said about the experimental lineup.

Sources used: "PA Media", "Daily Mail", "Daily Record" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.