'You'll find out who's real and who's not' - Russell Martin refuses to rule out Rangers swoop to sign Jamie Vardy after striker's Leicester exit

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Leicester City FC - Premier League

Rangers boss Russell Martin has kept the door open for a potential move to bring Jamie Vardy to Ibrox following the veteran striker's Leicester City departure. The former Southampton manager refused to confirm or deny interest after Rangers’ 2-2 pre-season friendly draw with Club Brugge, teasing fans that the truth behind the transfer talk would become clear in the coming weeks.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Martin was quizzed about Rangers’ interest in Vardy but gave a deliberately vague response. He acknowledged that rumours were circulating but refused to confirm whether Vardy was a genuine target. The 38-year-old forward recently left Leicester after scoring nine goals in the Premier League last season.

Southampton FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC - Premier League

WHAT MARTIN SAID

Speaking to the media, Martin said: "I think I've been asked about so many players.

"Some miles away, some on the money. So basically, I'm not going to give you an answer on that.

"But I guess you'll find out who's real and who's not in the next few weeks."

Jamie Vardy Leicester 2025

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Vardy, who netted 200 goals in 500 appearances for Leicester, is a free agent after ending a storied 13-year spell at the King Power Stadium. His availability has sparked interest across Europe, with Genoa reportedly rejecting the chance to sign him. Rangers are eyeing reinforcements as Martin prepares for a major squad reshuffle this summer.

The Rangers boss added: "I think we definitely want to do more, for sure and also probably some players need to move on as well at some point because the squad's going to start looking very big and very heavy."

DID YOU KNOW?

Martin hinted that several new signings could arrive soon while also suggesting current players may depart to trim the squad. Alongside Vardy, Rangers have been linked with Conor Coady and Nasser Djiga as part of their rebuild.

Russell Martin Southampton

WHAT NEXT FOR RANGERS?

With the new season approaching fast, Rangers are expected to move quickly in the transfer market. Martin's cryptic comments suggest serious business is underway behind the scenes. Whether Vardy joins the Ibrox ranks or not, the coming weeks will define the shape of Martin’s first-team squad.