McLeish linked to Strachan job

Rangers manager Alex McLeish has emerged as a surprise contender to replace Gordon Strachan at Southampton.

The 45-year-old, a close friend and former Aberdeen team-mate of Strachan, is understood to be attracted by the idea of working in the Premiership.

Languishing 11 points behind rivals Celtic, McLeish's Rangers side have all but conceded the Scottish Premier League title this season. With debts of ?65million, McLeish is unlikely to be given much cash to close the gap and could be tempted by escaping the highpressure environment at Ibrox.

He was linked with the Spurs job after Glenn Hoddle's sacking last September, but Spurs have instead set their sights on Giovanni Trapattoni. Following Strachan's decision to quit St Mary's at the end of the season, Southampton are anxious to fill their managerial vacancy as quickly as possible.

The favourite is former Japan coach Philippe Troussier, while fellow Frenchman Alain Perrin, who left Marseille two weeks ago, has also been linked with the job.

Strachan fuelled speculation about both men last weekend when he was quoted as saying: "I think my job will go to a Frenchman."