Rangers ended their 2021/22 SPFL campaign having conceded 31 goals in total, which is considerably more than the 13 the Ibrox side conceded throughout their previous campaign.

One defensive figure that didn't play a big part in Rangers' recent season is Filip Helander.

After starting three of Rangers' opening five league games of the season, the 29-year-old suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out of action until February.

The centre-back was then struck down with a season-ending injury back in April, ultimately seeing the 29-year-old end the campaign with just 11 appearances to his name across all competitions.

Taking into account his age, his injury issues and the fact that his current contract at Ibrox is set to expire in the summer of 2023, it could be worth Giovanni van Bronckhorst finding a suitable replacement for the Sweden international soon.

With that in mind, one player that the Gers have been linked with recently that could fit this bill is Cedric Kipre.

Having played in 14 Championship games for the Baggies this season, the 25-year-old ended the campaign in the top five of West Brom's squad for the average of tackles (2), interceptions (1.8), clearances (2.2) and blocks (0.4) made.

This shows just how much of a capable defensive unit he can be and why the Ibrox side have been eyeing the £14k-per-week centre-back up for a potential summer transfer move.

With the centre-back not fancied by current Baggies boss Steve Bruce after not making an appearance since his arrival in February, this could make a potential move to Rangers rather straightforward should the Europa League finalists launch a bid for him.

Labelled as an "assassin" by Tommy Wright, Kipre certainly has the talent to be a good defensive option for Van Bronckhorst and also has age on his side to be a solid long-term replacement for Helander.

Having also had experience of playing in the SPFL during his loan spell with Motherwell back in the 2017/18 season, this could also make him a good recruit for the Gers as he may not need that much time to settle into the SPFL compared to other potential incoming signings.

In other news: Van Bronckhorst heading for big Rangers disaster as worrying transfer claim emerges