Philippe Clement Rangers exit threat returns as Domenico Tedesco axed by Belgium

Under-pressure Philippe Clement could again come into contention for the Belgium national team after the Red Devils sacked manager Domenico Tedesco.

The Italian was bulleted after a poor run of results and for falling out with the hierarchy. Official confirmation is expected later on Friday. Tedesco was under contract until 2026 but elimination in the European Championship last 16 and a third place finish in their Nations League group in the second half of 2024 saw patience run out.

Late last year, sources in the Ibrox manager’s homeland told Record Sport the Rangers boss was among the leading contenders being considered as a replacement when Tedesco coming under real pressure.

Having made back-to-back foreign appointments with Roberto Martinez and Tedesco, there's a desire among bosses at the Royal Belgian Football Association to go after a homegrown boss this time. The Rangers boss, capped 38 times as player, would fit the bill.

The Belgian FA have recently hired Clement’s former Club Brugge mentor and chief executive Vincent Mannaert as their new sporting director and it’s understood he would be keen to reform a partnership that previously saw them lift two Belgian league titles together.

The Belgian FA also confirmed the search for a successor is "is proceeding smoothly". An official statement read: "Following a detailed evaluation, the RBFA Sports Committee today decided to end its collaboration with national coach Domenico Tedesco. This decision has been approved by the Board of Directors. The search for a successor is now underway.

"Domenico Tedesco was appointed national coach of the Red Devils in February 2023. Relying on a rejuvenated squad, he played a solid EURO qualifying campaign. Unfortunately, the Red