Rangers: ‘Unknown club’ twist emerges in Philippe Clement appointment bid as Belgian expert shares ‘latest information’
Rangers managerial target Philippe Clement is gaining interest from an “unknown” third club, according to Sven Claes.
The Belgian football expert told Clyde 1, as reported by the Daily Record (11 October), that the former Monaco boss has interest from the Gers, Saudi side Al-Shabab and a final mystery club.
Claes claimed that the Belgian and Rangers are still negotiating amid offers from these other clubs, but Clement is keen on a career in European football.
Claes said: “He’s 49 and just started his career in Europe at Monaco and now he wants to make a career in European football and I hope for him that Glasgow [Rangers] will be his next step.
“The latest information that I’ve got is that they’re still negotiating but there’s also still an offer from Saudi Arabia and a third unknown club. In Belgium at this moment nobody is wanting to confirm that it will be Rangers by the end of this week.”
Sought-after
The former Monaco and Club Brugge boss appears to be an in-demand man, so the Gers may have their work cut out for them if they are to secure his services.
Claes claimed that he is eager to remain in Europe after being sacked from the Ligue 1 side. He guided them to a sixth-place finish in the French top flight last season before his summer departure, after winning back-to-back-to-back Belgian titles with Genk and Club Brugge.
However, the fact he wants to remain in Europe could play into Rangers’ hands. The Saudi offer could, and most likely is, a lucrative deal so Clement could be tempted by the big payday.
The supposed third club could be anyone, but the Gers will want little competition for Clement’s signature if they are keen to bring him to Ibrox. Kevin Muscat seems like the club’s other option, with the Daily Record also reporting (11 October) that he and Clement were the “final two” in consideration.
Rangers and their fans will be eager to get a new manager in as soon as possible, but careful consideration and due diligence will be vital
In other Rangers news, Alex McLeish has tipped a new “unbelievable” Ibrox appointment to the club’s hierarchy.