Robert could replace Lovenkrands

Laurent Robert has hinted he would welcome a move to Ibrox

Benfica winger Laurent Robert could be signed as a replacement for Peter Lovenkrands should the Dane leave Ibrox in the summer.

And the 30-year-old, previously of Newcastle United and Portsmouth, is keen on signing for new Rangers boss and fellow Frenchman Paul Le Guen.

"I would love to play for Paul Le Guen," said Robert.

"I have spoken to him and I would be interested in a move to Rangers. They are a massive club."

Robert left Newcastle at the start of last season and, after an underwhelming loan spell at Fratton Park, opted to join Benfica on a free transfer.

He is still under contract with Benfica but has also failed to hit peak form for the Portuguese side.

Peter has another couple of days to make his mind up Rangers chairman David Murray

"It would be down to the two clubs, but I would be interested in playing for Rangers," he said.

"I had the chance to go there before I went to Newcastle and maybe I should have gone then.

"It is not about money, I would like to finish my career at a top club and Rangers would be a big opportunity."

Meanwhile, Lovenkrands has been given a deadline by Rangers chairman David Murray.

Rejuvenated Lovenkrands has been linked with a move to Italian giants Roma and the Ibrox chief is losing patience over the striker's reluctance to sign a new contract.

"Peter has another couple of days to make his mind up, but if he wants to leave then we will move swiftly to replace him with a high-quality player," said Murray.

"Robert is obviously known to the manager, but we will take things one step at a time."