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Glasgow Rangers are reportedly ‘keeping tabs’ on Danish central defender Thomas Kristensen ahead of a potential move to Ibrox this summer.

The Lowdown: Helander replacement?

Filip Helander is out of contract at Rangers this summer, and has recently been linked with a move to Swedish side Malmo in his homeland.

Should he leave, Michael Beale’s side would need to bring in a replacement, and it looks like they have already identified their main target in that position.

The Latest: Kristensen interest

As per Football Insider, the Gers are ‘keeping tabs’ on Kristensen ahead of a potential summer move, who is also on the radar of a number of other clubs in Europe.

However, despite some reports saying otherwise, they are yet to make contact over the Aarhus GF centre-back, but he does fit the profile of a ‘young’ and ‘promising’ player that they are looking for, who is also available at an affordable fee with potential high re-sale value.

The Light Blues are likely going to have to pay a six-figure or lower seven-figure sum if they want to sign Kristensen, with his contract not expiring until 2026.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Should Helander leave, the six-foot-five Kristensen would be an affordable replacement, and so a deal for him this summer is a no-brainer.

The 21-year-old has been one of his team’s standout performers in the Danish Superliga, and still has such a high potential.

He is eight years younger than Helander, and so would be an ideal long-term successor, while also giving Beale another solid option at the back.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is demanding one thing as a major priority from any new Spurs manager.

The Lowdown: Conte exit looming?

Despite possessing an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months, it is believed that Lilywhites head coach Antonio Conte could well depart at the end of this Premier League season.

There is apparently a decreasing appetite behind-the-scenes to keep Conte with reliable reports claiming that sporting director Fabio Paratici has already drawn up a managetial shortlist.

On this proposed list, it is believed that Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi, Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel, Marco Silva and Thomas Frank all feature as potential candidates to replace Conte.

There have been major calls for Spurs to re-appoint Pochettino in particular with members of the Tottenham fanbase pleading for the Argentine’s reunion.

The Latest: Sky reporter shares Levy manager demand…

Taking to Twitter, reliable Sky journalist Lyall Thomas has shared exactly what every Spurs manager candidate will need to pass Levy’s interview.

Indeed, it is believed that impressing star striker Harry Kane, commanding his respect and potentially persuading him to stay is ‘top of the job spec’.

Thomas said:

“Keeping Harry Kane is Daniel Levy’s top priority and top of the job spec for any new manager (IF Conte leaves) is being able to command Kane’s respect and help keep him at the club.”

The Verdict: Huge priority…

Regardless of who eventually comes in to replace Conte if he does leave, there is little arguing that keeping Kane happy and at the club should be very much top of the priority list.

Tottenham appear to have an array of talented coaches to target for the managerial role, but the same certainly cannot be said of strikers to replace Kane.

Anybody who comes in to succeed the England international would most likely command a marquee fee and it is debateable whether they would contribute to the same effectiveness as Kane.

Boasting 20 goals in 27 league games, the 29-year-old is also Tottenham’s best-performing player by average match rating this season (WhoScored).

His ability to drop deep and link up play is also a huge asset to Spurs with Kane clinching both the Playmaker of the Year award and Golden Boot at the end of this 2020/2021 season.

Homegrown and Tottenham’s prodigal son, perhaps even the greatest managers in world football would have a mountainous task on their hands filling a Kane-shaped hole in Spurs’ first team.

Journalist Laurie Whitwell has revealed that people within Manchester United are wary of Financial Fair Play rules ahead of the summer transfer window.

What have Manchester United planned for the summer?

The club's top priority is reportedly to bring in a striker, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen linked with big-money moves, and whilst there is uncertainty over their ownership situation, United may well look to spend heavily in the summer as they have in recent seasons.

However, even if new owners come in, an extraordinary window with plenty of huge signings seems unlikely due to FFP rules.

Whitwell has pointed to Newcastle United as an example of a club capable of increased spending that has imposed such limits, and that United could follow suit.

Speaking on the Stretford Paddock, Whitwell revealed that people within United are taking FFP seriously and United could follow in the footsteps of the Magpies.

He said: "Certainly, people at United think it's [FFP] a thing, they're the ones that are going to be signing the cheques.

"This is what Newcastle are getting into at the moment, even with PIF and Saudi Arabia backing them – ok, they've signed Alexander Isak for £60m, which is beyond what they definitely could have bought under Mike Ashley – but they're not like they've not gone and spent £300-350m in one transfer window and just thought, 'we'll get away with it'.

"According to what I'm told, Dan Ashworth is very alert to the Financial Fair Play [guidelines] that he's trying to work under, and it's the same at United, so that's why I think they will have to really look hard at sales and who they can let go and try and get good money for to then bring in other players."

What should Man United prioritise?

Given the FFP rules, it is doubtful that United will be able to sign players to cover every position they would ideally fill, but they could still afford to bring in a few top-quality signings.

A striker should be the priority given Wout Weghorst's lack of goals and Anthony Martial's lack of fitness, and one of Kane or Osimhen – who have 48 goals between them this term could transform Ten Hag's attack.

And with David de Gea's future uncertain, a new goalkeeper – perhaps one suited to Ten Hag's style which would see the goalkeeper become more involved with his passing – could be another key area to upgrade.

There have been links to Diogo Costa at Porto, but a cheaper alternative could be Brentford's David Raya, and with the Spaniard entering the final year of his contract, it could be an easier deal to do, which would also leave funds to potentially invest elsewhere.

Manchester United are believed to be expanding their list of centre-forward targets, amid reports that Erik ten Hag's side are interested in Eintracht Frankfurt star, Randal Kolo Muani.

What's the latest on Kolo Muani to Man United?

While previous reports had suggested that United were weighing up a move for England captain Harry Kane or Napoli's Victor Osimhen, respected journalist Samuel Luckhurst has now revealed that the Red Devils are also "keeping tabs" on the France international – as well as Danish starlet, Rasmus Hojlund.

In his attached piece for Manchester Evening News, Luckhurst revealed that the striking duo could emerge as potential alternatives this summer if the Old Trafford outfit are 'priced out' of a move for Tottenham Hotspur talisman, Kane.

As the piece notes, a deal for Kolo Muani, in particular, may also appear rather expensive with the 24-year-old still having just over four years left to run on his existing deal in Germany, with recent reports suggesting that the former Nantes man could command a fee of around €100m (£88m).

Should Man United sign Kolo Muani?

There are undoubted benefits in signing the "clinical" marksman this summer – as hailed by former Eintracht and Bayern Munich boss Felix Magath – with the 6 foot 2 sensation having enjoyed a real breakout campaign in Frankfurt this season, having scored 11 goals and contributed 12 assists in just 24 Bundesliga appearances.

The seven-cap dynamo – who featured in both the semi-final and final of the World Cup in Qatar – boasts an overall tally of 30 goal involvements in just 35 games this season across all fronts in what is his debut campaign under Oliver Glasner.

Having also contributed 39 goals and assists in 87 games during his spell in Ligue 1, the Bondy native has certainly proven himself a real threat in the final third, while also offering the benefit of being able to feature on the flanks if required.

Despite that glowing report, however, Ten Hag may have concerns about splashing the cash on another costly figure from the German top-flight, with United having yet to see the benefit of their £73m investment in Jadon Sancho back in 2021.

Like Kolo Muani, the Englishman had previously sparkled during his four-year stay at Borussia Dortmund, proving himself undoubtedly one of the standout figures in the division after laying on 114 goal involvements in just 137 games for the club.

Hailed as a "perfect player" by German legend Lothar Matthaus, Sancho was expected to be able to replicate that stellar form in the Premier League, although has since gone on to flatter to deceive in a red jersey, contributing just ten goals and four assists in 63 games at the Theatre of Dreams.

Branded "so poor" by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino earlier in the campaign, the one-time Manchester City man has been unable to enjoy a consistent run of good form over the last 18 months or so, notably enduring a spell away from the first-team between October and January this season.

While there have been flashes of quality since his return to the fold – including a pivotal equaliser against Leeds United – the £350k-per-week man is still not a guaranteed starter in Ten Hag's side, with the move having yet to pan out for either the club nor the player.

There would be notable fears that snapping up Kolo Muani could see a repeat scenario occur, with making the move from Germany to England clearly not an easy transition to make, particularly when burdened by a hefty transfer fee.

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly have a new managerial target in Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

Spurs have an array of in-work and free-agent managers on their radar as chairman Daniel Levy weighs his next move carefully. The Lilywhites are currently contending with a plethora of issues both on and off the field, with Harry Kane's contract situation and the worldwide ban of director Fabio Paratici coming as real concerns.

At the front of Levy's queue of tasks, though, is Tottenham's long and drawn-out search for Antonio Conte's replacement. In terms of readily-available bosses, Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann, Zinedine Zidane and even Brendan Rodgers have all been linked to the vacant post.

Meanwhile, currently employed tacticians from abroad, like Eintracht Frankfurt's Oliver Glasner and Feyenoord's Arne Slot, are impressing and have earned Tottenham's admiration.

Even names like Christophe Galtier, who could leave Paris-Saint Germain at the end of this campaign, and Celtic's Ange Postecoglou are Tottenham-linked options for Levy.

Now, as per journalist Galetti, writing on his personal website, it appears a new target has entered the frame.

According to the Italian transfer reporter, Napoli boss Spalletti is now being eyed by Tottenham's management – presumably meaning Spurs club chiefs. Indeed, the 64-year-old is apparently attracting Spurs interest alongside Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim.

This apparently comes amid a 'stalemate' with Pochettino as the 51-year-old is waiting to see what happens at Real Madrid in regard to Carlo Ancelotti's future.

Should Tottenham attempt Spalletti move?

The former Roma boss comes as quite an exciting fresh link when looking at the superb job he has done at Napoli.

Spalletti's side are currently storming to the Serie A title, 16 points out in front of second-placed Lazio whilst winning an incredible 23 of 28 matches this season.

The 4-3-3 attacking coach also has a Champions League quarter-final tie against rivals AC MIlan to look forward to, but this isn't his first trophy-chasing campaign.

Indeed, the Italian has won three domestic trophies in his homeland – clinching the Coppa Italia with Roma in 2007 and 2008.

Spalletti also boasts an Italian Super Cup from his time at the Stadio Olimpico and would come to Spurs with plenty of experience.

Called an 'elite' coach by BBC Sport reporter John Bennett, going by his credentials, it's pretty hard to deny that Spalletti would be a solid Spurs candidate.

Leicester City are now considering a move for former manager Martin O’Neill, according to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney.

What’s the latest on Leicester’s search for a new manager?

The Foxes, and by extension, owner Khun Top, are on the search for a new manager after parting ways with Brendan Rodgers over the weekend. Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell took temporary charge in the week but couldn’t turn the club’s fortunes around, with Leicester falling to a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa.

A crucial King Power Stadium meeting with relegation rivals AFC Bournemouth is next on the agenda for Sadler and Stowell, but it looks as if the Foxes are eyeing caretaker appointments until the end of the season.

Delaney, chief writer for The Independent, shared a story regarding Leicester’s search for a new manager in the last 48 hours. He stated that the club have been turned down by former Chelsea boss Graham Potter and are eyeing a short-term solution until the end of the campaign, with one option being O’Neill.

The reporter adds that O’Neill and Rafa Benitez’s names have been discussed internally at The King Power, with Premier League experience seen as key.

Would a King Power reunion with O’Neill work?

O’Neill enjoyed plenty of success during his first stint as Leicester boss between 1995 and 2000, making an immediate impact by taking the club into the top flight via the playoffs during his first season and winning the League Cup on two separate occasions, resulting in European football.

In total, O’Neill has won nine major honours as a manager, however, he has been out of work since 2019 after leaving Nottingham Forest in the Championship, so a reunion could be a gamble.

His last experience in the Premier League came with Sunderland 10 years ago now, where he was sacked at The Stadium of Light after a poor run of results. Therefore, you could argue that a move for someone like Benitez could be a better option, as the Spaniard has taken charge of Newcastle and Everton in recent years.

The 62-year-old is also eyeing a return to the dugout and is on the search for a project, so he could even be the answer to the Foxes’ long-term managerial plans, should he guide the club to safety in the run-in. The vital match against Bournemouth is fast approaching, though, so it looks like Sadler and Stowell could be in charge again this weekend.

A number of Tottenham Hotspur players are keen on Mauricio Pochettino being appointed as the club's new manager, according to a recent report from the Daily Mail.

Who could Tottenham Hotspur appoint as manager?

Chairman Daniel Levy is running the rule over a number of options, however he has recently been dealt a blow in the pursuit of Julian Nagelsmann – who was the favoured choice to replace Antonio Conte – as he has reportedly turned them down.

Tottenham may now have to start looking at alternative managers, including former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers, with the Northern Irishman said to 'very keen' on the job, and he is set for an interview.

Pochettino has also been linked with a return to N17, however journalist Dean Jones recently detailed that Levy is no longer as keen on appointing the Argentine as he once was, but that view is not shared by a group of the players.

According to a report from the Mail, a number of the players are eager for the club to re-appoint the 51-year-old, however he is not the first-choice among the hierarchy at the club.

Levy is a big fan of Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, although he could soon be offered a new contract at Turf Moor, while a faction at the club would like a British manager, such as recently-sacked Chelsea boss Graham Potter.

Should Tottenham Hotspur appoint Mauricio Pochettino?

The 4-3-3 attacking manager has already been sacked by Spurs once, after which football writer Alex Keble claimed he was "too good" for the club, while also adding that Levy had thrown out a "genius he never deserved."

There is now a good opportunity to bring the Murphy-born coach back for a second stint, considering he is currently unemployed, and he has gone on to enjoy some success as Paris Saint-Germain manager in the meantime, which could stand him in good stead.

The former PSG boss won three trophies during his time at the Parc des Princes, and his sacking was probably a little harsh, considering they were only narrowly knocked out of the Champions League by eventual-winners Real Madrid.

Pochettino has ample Premier League experience, having taken charge of Tottenham for 293 matches during his previous spell, while he also has the support of the players, as well as the fans, who could be heard singing his name during the 2-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher failed to impress talkSPORT's Mark Goldbridge during the Blues' 2-0 defat to Real Madrid, with the pundit left baffled by Frank Lampard's decision to start the youngster in such an advanced role.

How did Chelsea fare against Real Madrid?

Tuesday's meeting with the reigning European champions proved to be another disappointing night for the west Londoners, as they bowed of the top club competition in the world. Despite creating plenty of chances and actually dominating parts of the match, Chelsea succumbed to Madrid's ruthlessness, with two goals from Rodrygo sending the La Liga giants into the semi-finals.

It means that Lampard has now lost all four matches since returning to Stamford Bridge for a second spell as manager, and he will surely depart at the end of the season. The 44-year-old named a curiously defensive-looking starting lineup to face Madrid, with Gallagher playing off Kai Havertz, and the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix all left to watch from the substitutes' bench.

Ultimately, it was a team that didn't work in the end, with Gallagher not managing to have a major impact on proceedings and arguably looking out of his depth up against some world-class players.

What has Goldbridge said?

Taking to Twitter, talkSPORT host Goldbridge didn't hold back with his thoughts on Lampard's set-up, questioning why the £50k-per-week midfielder was saddled with the attacking responsibilities:

"Who picks Connor Gallagher at CAM when you need goals and benches Felix…"

In truth, this was an evening that did show Gallagher's limitations, as he came up against the likes of Tony Kroos, Luka Modric and Fede Valverde. That's not to say that he had no impact at all – he played two key passes and made one tackle and interception apiece – but he rarely looked like being the difference-maker in such a high-profile game.

Lampard's use of the midfielder arguably didn't help, with the 23-year-old used to the left of the attack and N'Golo Kante to the right, but it was a further sign that selling him this summer could make the most sense for all parties.

There certainly appears to be interest in him, with the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle United seemingly in the mix, and he could thrive as more of a key man elsewhere, with regular stats unlikely to come his way at Chelsea moving forward.

Gallagher's current Blues deal expires in the summer of 2025, but now could be the best time to earn a healthy amount of money for his services, rather than lose him this time next year when his value may have dropped.

Insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that West Ham United have a "virtually fully fit squad" to play in the east London club's match tonight.

What's the latest West Ham team news?

There's every reason for the Hammers to come into the Premier League clash against Liverpool with a renewed sense of confidence.

After all, they are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak, which includes their Europa Conference League quarter-final triumph over Gent.

Last time out in the league, they also thumped Bournemouth 4-0 and picked up a 2-2 draw after coming from behind against high-flying Arsenal.

With that being the case, David Moyes and co should have no reason to fear Liverpool, especially as they have a near-fully fit squad to choose from – missing only the injured Gianluca Scamacca​​​​​​.

Indeed, Ex revealed as much in a post shared on The West Ham Way Patreon page. However, seeing as that win against the Cherries came only three days ago, Moyes may want to rest Michail Antonio who might be fatigued.

The insider explained: "West Ham have yet another reported virtually fully fit squad to choose from going into the big game against Liverpool.

"Following a very impressive performance against Bournemouth the manager is left with the choice of sticking with the same team or alternating one or two players.

"Key players like Antonio who struggle to play two games in one week were able to be subbed off again early against Bournemouth, giving him more of a chance of remaining within the team.

"The only confirmed absentee is Gianluca Scamacca who has been ruled out for the season with his knee operation. Another forward, Divine Mubama, played in yesterday‘s amazing under-18s victory so is unlikely to be used today."

Will Antonio start against Liverpool?

On paper, it would make a lot of sense to start Antonio against Liverpool. After all, the Englishman has three goals in his last two games.

However, this means he will have started twice in the space of three days, and it might not be in him to start yet another match just three days later – even though he hasn't played a full 90 minutes in that period.

Seeing as the £85k-per-week forward hasn't always been a regular in the team this term – starting just 16 of his 28 league appearances – the 33-year-old might struggle to be at his best against Liverpool.

Of course, Scamacca is injured, but Moyes could turn to Danny Ings instead. The Englishman has been benched in place of Antonio in recent weeks but could now be asked to step up.

It is certainly a big call to make with Ings not in quite so good form, having failed to score in his last six league outings for the Irons, but it remains to be seen how Moyes lines up ahead of the Reds' visit.

Glasgow Rangers were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by their Old Firm rivals on Sunday and are now on course to end the campaign without a trophy to show for their efforts.

The Light Blues are 13 points behind their rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with five games left to play, and a summer overhaul is on the cards at Ibrox.

Michael Beale is expecting a big "rebuild" in the transfer window and some first-team players could be moved on to make way for fresh recruits.

Borna Barisic, who joined the club for £2.2m in 2018, has been named by the Daily Record as a player who the Gers could cash in on, and he could be replaced by academy full-back Kevin Ciubotaru.

Is it time for Barisic to leave Rangers?

It could be the right time to ditch the Croatian dud after a series of questionable defensive performances in big games for the club in recent seasons.

Ex-Celtic winger Kris Commons criticised the left-back earlier this year, writing: "He nods off like a security guard trying to catch a quick nap on the night shift. It's just not acceptable at a club like Rangers.

"When Celtic do their analysis ahead of next month's final, you can guarantee they will identify Barisic as the weak link in this Rangers defence."

Commons also claimed that Celtic forwards have exposed Barisic as a "poor" defender and, at the age of 30, the battler does not have a lot of time to develop and improve that side of his game.

Who is Kevin Ciubotaru?

The Light Blues have a 19-year-old Romania youth international in their B team who is a natural left-back and has made 12 appearances in the Lowland League this season.

He has been called up by Romania at U15, U16, and U18 level and has been competing with Robbie Fraser for a starting berth in the development squad this season at Ibrox.

Although Fraser has been the first-choice, with 33 league appearances, Ciubotaru is a player with unearthed potential and could be someone who Beale is able to work with to develop into a first-team performer.

Kinetic academy co-founder Harry Hudson previously stated that the Romanian gem has an "exceptionally high ceiling" and described him by saying: "Very attack-minded. Powerful runner, good dribbler, gets forward well and contributes really well in the offensive phases."

The player himself also claimed that his style is like AC Milan star "Theo Hernandez", who has produced three goals and three assists in the Serie A this season from left-back, and these comments highlight the gem's untapped potential and illustrate the kind of player the head coach could unearth by bringing him into the fold.

Beale could place his trust in the quality of his academy options to come up and compete with Ridvan Yilmaz for a place at left-back in the first-team, which would allow him to ditch Barisic on a permanent basis this summer.