Glasgow Rangers' Filip Helander has been urged to back up his words after the Sweden international said he had no plans to play in England.

The Lowdown: Interest from Premier League in Helander

Helander, who is currently representing his country at Euro 2020, has been linked with both Aston Villa and Leicester City in recent weeks (Aftonbladet).

However, the 28-year-old appeared to pour cold water on any suggestions he would leave the club by saying he has no plans to play south of the border (via The Daily Record).

The Latest: McAvennie sends strong warning

Speaking to Football Insider, Frank McAvennie has urged Helander to respect his word and stay at Ibrox. He said:

"It’s great to hear as a Rangers fan.

"Whether he means it or not, that’s the issue. We still have to see that. 

"Until you’re sold, you are a Rangers player and it’s rare you get a player who talks about wanting to go.

"He’s got to prove what he means now and stay, otherwise he’ll look daft."

The Verdict: Important

While Helander has been unable to show his full ability so far with the 55-time Scottish champions as he has struggled with injuries (Transfermarkt), he has had a big impact when he has featured.

After 29 Premiership appearances, he is yet to lose a single match, while he was an important member of a defence that conceded just 13 goals in the league last term (BBC).

The Gers are said to be looking for £6m if they are to sell Helander this summer. However, there appears to be no real need to move him on and, if he stays at Ibrox, he can continue to play a role as the Gers target a Champions League run next term.

McAvennie is right though, after coming out with such a strong statement, Helander would look silly if he did end up moving on and he must have had that in mind before making the comments, which suggests that he did mean what he said.

In other news, Rangers fans were livid at this SPFL development.