Kevin Muscat has reportedly stalled on signing a new contract at Yokohama F. Marinos.

It comes as the Australian was named as the early frontrunner to take over at Rangers following Michael Beale's sacking.

The Daily Record claims the ex-Gers defender is ready to answer the call should it come from the Ibrox hierarchy amid their recruitment drive.

They state Muscat has been offered a new deal by the J-League side, but that he has held off on committing his future with one eye on proceedings at former club Rangers.

The report claims that Muscat could be available for a reduced compensation package of around two months' worth of wages should Rangers opt to pursue his services.

The 50-year-old was previously linked with the job last winter when Beale was appointed as successor to Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

It's said that his name is on a preliminary shortlist compiled by James Bisgrove and others.

It's believed that the club's CEO and chairman John Bennett will spend the next few days examining the credentials of the various contenders for the job. They will then decide who to interview next week.

It was already known that Muscat is keen on at least holding talks over the role. But it would seem he's been forecasting for this situation arising. 

He is currently in China as his side prepares for an Asian Champions League tie against Shandong Taishan.

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The Japanese season shuts down in early December and Muscat’s Marinos bosses want him to put pen to paper on a contract extension beforehand.

Muscat worked closely with former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou at Melbourne Victory and is of course in charge of his old club Marinos. The Spurs gaffer also had Muscat on his coaching team in the Australia national side setup.

Steven Davis is in temporary charge of first-team matters while Rangers chiefs look to find a resolution to the vacant position.

His bow as interim boss will come in Cyprus this Thursday night against Aris Limassol before a trip to Paisley to face St Mirren on Sunday prior to the international break.