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Dick Advocaat’s reign at Glasgow Rangers was anything but eventful. Sir David Murray was looking for a manager who could return the Ibrox side to the summit of Scottish football following a lacklustre 1997/98 season in which the club finished trophyless for the first time since 1986.

The Dutchman guided the Gers to five domestic trophies from six during his first two seasons, yet the 2000/01 campaign would go on to be a major disappointment, with Advocaat splashing money to try and salvage some success in a faltering period.

The £12m spent on Norwegian striker Tore Andre Flo in November 2000 would surely go on to be regarded as his biggest blunder, despite some early promise.

Was Tore Andre Flo a success at Rangers?

Spending £12m on a player was seen as an extravagant purchase for teams in the Premier League and Serie A during that time period, but a Scottish club? It was unheard of.

Flo had vast experience in England, scoring 50 goals in 162 appearances for Chelsea while winning both the FA Cup and League Cup during his spell in London. Having also represented Norway at the 1998 World Cup – scoring against Brazil – and Euro 2000, he had a wealth of international experience and although the fee was a major talking point, his credentials perhaps backed it up.

Scoring on your debut against Celtic is one way to introduce yourself and Flo did exactly that in a 5-1 win, before scoring another 12 goals that season, and it looked like money well spent by Advocaat.

New heights were reached in 2001/02, with the lanky striker netting 25 goals across all competitions as Rangers won the Scottish Cup and League Cup yet finished behind their cross-city rivals in the chase for the title.

That was as good as it got for Flo, with Alex McLeish moving him on to Sunderland in the summer of 2002 for a fee of £6.75m, which represented a major loss.

Peter Reid claimed the striker had “excellent finishing skills” and although he did show a glimpse of his talent at Ibrox, his massively inflated fee was a poor indicator of his actual performances with the player himself admitting it was "difficult" in Scotland.

He scored 36 times during his stay in Glasgow, which worked out at around £333k-per-goal with the club well and truly enduring a nightmare on the player who was earmarked to dominate Scottish football upon his arrival at the turn of the century.

Advocaat didn’t make many mistakes as manager, but when he did, they were catastrophic.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter is expected to remain in charge at Stamford Bridge for the rest of the season, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Uncertain future

The Premier League boss has been under huge pressure after a poor run of form, which has seen several candidate names being linked to take over in the capital.

Todd Boehly reportedly made contact with Mauricio Pochettino and is an admirer of Zinedine Zidane, but the 47-year-old has since secured his side a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

After Tuesday night’s 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund, the Blues coach was spotted celebrating with the owner in the tunnel, who appears to have made a short-term decision on his future.

The Latest: Potter set to stay

According to the The Daily Mail’s Chief Football Reporter Sami Mokbel, Chelsea are expected to give Potter ‘breathing space’ which will mean he can ‘at least’ see out the remainder of the 2022/23 season.

Boehly’s consistent backing is said to have been ‘rewarded’, with concerns that he might have had to dismiss the manager now ‘nothing he needs to worry about’.

The Verdict: Risk worth taking

Potter will know that two back-to-back victories won’t have completely removed him from the spotlight but Chelsea deciding to put their full faith in him is a risk worth taking.

The Solihull-born coach has won 11, drawn seven and lost ten of his 28 games in charge so far, but qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League is a huge statement to make, with cross-town rivals Tottenham crashing out on Wednesday to show just how easily it can all fall apart in Europe.

Kai Havertz has also publicly admitted that the players are 100% behind him to succeed so it’s time for them to step up and start picking up results should they want Potter to remain in the dugout.

Tottenham Hotspur have conducted scouting missions to assess Anton Stach ahead of a potential transfer swoop, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing midfielder

Tottenham already have plenty of options in central midfield, with the likes of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr at Antonio Conte’s disposal, however that hasn’t stopped them being linked with new options.

Bentancur and Bissouma are currently sidelined with the former not expected to return for a while following ACL surgery in Spain.

In the January transfer window, it was reported that Spurs cast an eye over Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, and given that Bentancur has now been ruled out until November, Conte may look to bolster his options in the engine room this summer.

The Latest: Stach profiled

According to a report from 90min, the Lilywhites have been keeping a watchful eye on Stach, having conducted scouted missions during 2023, however other Premier League clubs are believed to be interested.

Liverpool, Newcastle United and West Ham United have also watched the midfielder this year, meaning Spurs could face competition for his signature.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Football scout Jacek Kulig has described the 24-year-old as ‘underrated’, and given his performances over the course of the past year, that is definitely a fair assessment.

The 6 foot 4 colossus has demonstrated his talent in so many different areas of the game, ranking in the 96th percentile for aerials won per 90, while he is also in the 94th for interceptions, and the 97th for assists.

As such, it is clear that the two-time Germany international is a well-rounded player, capable of pitching in with the defensive side of the game when necessary, while he is also a threat on the front foot, which is indicated by nine assists in 32 games last season.

Stach would be an excellent addition to the Tottenham midfield, and he is at the right age to be a long-term success at the club, so Conte should continue to monitor his availability between now and the end of the season.

Chelsea have had their fair share of injury problems over the Premier League season so far, however, Graham Potter could soon be given a huge boost as an update emerges on a key player’s recovery.

What’s the latest?

According to Premier League injury expert Ben Dinnery, N’Golo Kante is making progress in his recovery from a long-term injury.

Dinnery told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s progressing really well. He has begun some work outdoors, although that’s all around that individualised training programme.

“These sorts of dates are never set in stone when we’re talking about long-term injuries, particularly given the fact there has been a long line of problems with N’Golo Kanté.”

The news came amid reports that the Frenchman had returned to light training at Cobham.

Imagine him & Enzo

There is no doubt that Potter will look forward to Kante’s return to action as the midfielder could be the key to reigniting the disappointing season at Stamford Bridge so far.

Chelsea are currently ninth in the Premier League table following a string of inconsistent performances that have left the side ten points adrift of a Champions League qualifying spot inside the top four, so the manager will be looking for solutions and opportunities to tweak the starting line-up in order to find the formula for success.

Kante – who was once dubbed “magic” by Ally McCoist – is in his seventh year with the London club and has become a fan favourite for his contributions to the side in a Chelsea career that has seen him win a Premier League title, the Champions League, an FA Cup, Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup.

The 31-year-old France international is set to be out of contract with the Blues this summer, however, Potter could benefit a great deal from his world-class qualities for the final time over the remaining fixtures.

Indeed, the idea of him forming a partnership between the Chelsea stalwart and shiny new midfielder, Enzo Fernandez, is a mouth-watering one.

Fernandez has already shown a glimpse of what he can offer Potter during his debut performance against Fulham last week, with the young Argentine picking up the highest SofaScore rating in the entire Chelsea team – winning nine duels and six tackles, taking 99 touches and completing 64 accurate passes.

Combining the talented 22-year-old with the experience of his £290k-per-week team-mate could be a deadly combination for opponents as Kante is stronger in the few attributes Fernandez lacks – ranking in the top 15% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for successful take-ons, tackles, interceptions and progressive carries.

With that being said, Potter could improve the midfield presence significantly if he could finally deploy Kante alongside Fernandez in the near future. Indeed, it may be exactly the boost the team needs to pick up crucial points in their pursuit of closing the gap between themselves and the top four.

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is a target for Inter Milan as they look to replace Milan Skriniar, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Inter’s conundrum

Inter could be set for a hectic end to the January transfer window with centre-back Skriniar penning a pre-contract deal with Paris Saint Germain, however, the two clubs are in talks to make his switch imminent.

If that deal were to happen this month, then the Nerazzurri could be keen to add a centre-back as his replacement with the 27-year-old featuring in all but one of Inter’s games this season, only missing the latest outing against Cremonese with suspension.

This has led them to the door of Lindelof but with United so far failing to be big players in the window with Wout Weghorst and Jack Butland on loans the only first-team business concluded by the Premier League side a deal may not be easy.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed the interest in the Sweden international but admitted a deal may be tough with United not keen on losing the centre-back, he said:

(2:25) “We have to mention Manchester United because they have received one new proposal and it’s from Inter because Inter are preparing some potential options in case Skriniar will go to PSG immediately.”

“Victor Lindelof is one of the players they have in the list, Atletico Madrid asked for Lindelof earlier in January, Manchester United said no, Inter are now trying for Lindelof too.

“Inter want Lindelof, Manchester United and especially Erik ten Hag want to keep the player so let’s see how this conversation will go but it’s not easy for Inter because Ten Hag wants to keep the player.”

The Verdict: Tough deal to make

With how United have dealt in the transfer window so far, it would be surprising to see Ten Hag approve a transfer that sees a squad player leave ahead of a busy period for the club.

The 28-year-old has found himself way down the pecking order at Old Trafford with only 14 appearances coming all season, just six of those in the league.

But with United’s frantic schedule of eight games to come in 26 days, Ten Hag isn’t in the position to be surrendering squad depth with the Red Devils still competing in all four competitions.

Harry Maguire was also blocked from leaving the club this month following interest from Aston Villa with the Dutchman keen to maintain defensive cover, the same approach will likely be taken with the interest in Lindelof.

West Ham are still thought to be interested in signing AS Roma attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Ings in

The Hammers have struggled for goals so far this season, scoring just 15 times in 19 Premier League games. David Moyes has acted in the transfer market to resolve that problem, signing Danny Ings from Aston Villa.

The club are also looking at a move for Lorient striker Terem Moffi and Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque, and it looks as if Zaniolo is also still on the London Stadium radar after recent speculation.

The Latest: Zaniolo update

La Gazzetta dello Sport shared an update on Zaniolo on Friday, where West Ham were once again named. They claimed that the left-footed player wants to leave, however, the Italian’s preferred destination is Tottenham.

Borussia Dortmund have cooled their interest and West Ham ‘remain standing’ in the race, with a potential loan with an obligation to buy exit from Roma mooted.

The Verdict: One to watch?

Zaniolo would be able to play as an attacking midfielder, second striker or right winger, so would offer plenty of versatility to Moyes, should a transfer materialise.

He stands at a lofty 6 foot 3 and has been praised in recent years for his ‘physically imposing’ stature, so could adapt to the physicality of the Premier League relatively swiftly.

It may well be one to keep an eye on, and it is exciting to know that there could be more attacking arrivals on the way after Ings.

Kevin Hatchard has revealedKevin Hatchard has revealed the latest update he’s received on the future of Chelsea target Marcus Thuram.

The Lowdown: New attackers a priority

After a dreadful run of results for Graham Potter, which has included back-to-back defeats to nil against Manchester City, it appears obvious that new attacking reinforcements are required.

The Blues have reportedly entered advanced talks over a move for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, though it seems their spending may not stop there.

Chelsea are also being linked with exciting players such as Thuram and Mykhailo Mudryk, showing Todd Boehly isn’t going to be taking it easy, and, much like over the summer, will look to flex his financial muscles once again.

Thuram wouldn’t actually set Chelsea back too much given he’s out of contract in the summer, which could appeal to the Blues – especially if they could beat Manchester United to his signature.

The Latest: Thuram being considered

Hatchard has admitted live on Kevin Hatchard has revealedSky Sports that he received an update on Monday morning regarding Chelsea’s genuine interest in the France international.

He said: “I had a text this morning from a journalist friend of mine who says Chelsea are definitely interested, they would like to do that deal in this month.”

The Verdict: Smart business could help out Potter

On paper, signing Thruam ticks multiple boxes for Chelsea as he’s in a rich vein of form this season with 13 strikes across all competitions, is a versatile forward who can play across the frontline and would reportedly only cost £8.5m.

Therefore, instead of splashing out silly money on inflated price tags, Boehly should box smart and bring in an exciting talent who is available for a cut price fee and would be able to help Potter immediately.

But it’s not just Chelsea that can see Thuram’s ability, with clubs such as Man United and Newcastle United being linked with the forward, who was labelled ‘world-class’ only a few months ago.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has now revealed a transfer update on Wolves January target Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The Lowdown: Wolves interest

It was reported earlier this week that the Old Gold ‘want’ to sign Wan-Bissaka in the January transfer window, and that Manchester United are ‘open to offers’ for the right-back, so long as they can source a replacement.

He has only played a mere four minutes of senior football so far this season, and so needs to find more regular game time elsewhere.

The Latest: United ‘trying’ to find solution

Taking to Twitter, Romano has revealed that United are now ‘trying to find a solution’ for Wan-Bissaka in order to let him go, as the Wanderers are one of three Premier League clubs that ‘remain interested’ in signing him:

“Manchester United are trying to find a solution for Wan-Bissaka in order to let him leave. Wolves, West Ham and Crystal Palace remain interested.

“Main priority on right-back situation remains to extend Dalot’s contract. Talks will take place soon.”

The Verdict: Smart move?

Given that Wan-Bissaka has barely featured at all under Erik ten Hag, and he only has 18 months left on his contract, the Molineux outfit could potentially secure him for a cut-price.

Once hailed as a ‘monster’ by Brazilian journalist and writer Fernando Duarte, the 25-year-old needs to try and recapture some of the form that made the Red Devils pay a whopping £50m for him in 2019.

Still, he has ranked in the top 1% of all right-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for dribbles completed and interceptions per game over the last year, and in the top 2% for tackles, per FBRef.

If Julen Lopetegui’s side can play to his strengths, then Wan-Bissaka could be an astute signing, but they may need to reduce his £90,000-per-week wages first.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has presented Aston Villa, along with every other club, an opportunity to scout players ahead of the January transfer window.

They have an unprecedented chance to evaluate the squad and eye up potential recruits prior to the winter market opening, thanks to this international tournament, and Unai Emery may want to improve the team during his first window in charge of the Villans.

However, one player the Spanish head coach could swoop for is not at the World Cup for his country – centre-forward Tammy Abraham.

The Englishman was not selected to be in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad as Callum Wilson, Harry Kane, and Marcus Rashford were chosen ahead of him as options in the number nine position.

Earlier this year, 90min reported that Villa, Arsenal, and Newcastle United all made contact with Roma over a potential swoop to sign the forward in the summer.

However, he remained in Italy and his form in the Serie A tailed off, with three goals in 15 appearances, which led to him recently being linked with a possible switch to Tottenham at the end of the season.

Although it remains to be seen whether or not Roma are willing to cash in on the £96k-per-week dynamo, Emery must reignite the club’s interest in Abraham and attempt to convince the Italian side to part ways with the striker.

The Spanish coach could get Villa Park rocking by securing a deal for the centre-forward as he is a terrific, young, number nine with a pre-existing relationship with the supporters.

He spent the 2018/19 campaign on loan to Dean Smith’s team from Chelsea in the Championship and enjoyed a superb year as he scored 25 goals in 37 league matches – helping the side to secure promotion to the Premier League.

The Blues then gave him an opportunity to impress in the top-flight and he plundered 21 goals in 37 starts across two seasons before joining Roma in the summer of 2021, with former professional Steven Elliott dubbing him a “goal machine” during that period.

Jose Mourinho helped him to hit the ground running in Italy as the striker scored 17 goals in 36 starts in the Serie A during his first campaign in the capital.

His statistics prior to this season suggest that his struggles in front of goal are likely to be a blip in what is set up to be a long career of scoring goals on a consistent basis, which is why Emery must swoop for him in January or next summer.

The Villa Park supporters know what he is about after his impressive year on loan four years ago and would surely be buzzing to see him back in the claret and blue, given the potential he has to be a prolific scorer in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has requested to sign Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries, according to reports over the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

The Premier League giants currently have Emerson Royal as their first-choice right-back, but with Matt Doherty and Djed Spence failing to make an impact, the 53-year-old is understandably on the lookout for reinforcements.

Dumfries still has nearly three years remaining on his deal at the San Siro but Simone Inzaghi’s side are believed to be open to a sale in 2023, with his price tag having now been revealed.

The Latest: Spurs monitoring Dumfries

According to Rudy Galetti (via Sport Witness) on Thursday, Spurs are just one of several clubs ‘chasing’ Dumfries, with the signing being a personal ‘request’ from Conte.

The report states that the Tottenham manager is ‘not convinced’ by Emerson, with the 26-year-old Dutchman identified as a suitable ‘alternative’.

Inter are willing to consider offers in the region of €30m (£26m), with Chelsea and Manchester United also holding a strong interest, duly creating big competition for the Lilywhites.

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The Verdict: Emerson replacement?

Tottenham clearly aren’t sold on Emerson and are only playing him because he’s the best of a bad bunch, but having been hailed as a ‘big threat’ by Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell, Dumfries would certainly appear to be an upgrade.

The Rotterdam native already has two goals and two assists to his name across all competitions this season and is currently averaging 1.3 shots and 1.1 key passes per league game (WhoScored).

For comparison, Dumfries exceeds all three of Spurs’ senior right-back options for all of those metrics (WhoScored).

For someone with such experience and fantastic ability as the Dutchman, Fabio Paratici splashing out £26m shouldn’t even be up for debate, with his existing connection to Serie A potentially handing Tottenham an advantage in this transfer pursuit.