Rangers future latest on Nicolas Raskin after improved transfer bid 'rejected' with deadline looming

Nicolas Raskin future at Rangers remains uncertain after Besiktas failed with a second attempt to sign the midfielder as the Ibrox club refuse to lower their valuation of the Belgium international.

Sky Sports report that Rangers have rejected another bid from the Turkish side after first turning down a loan proposal that included an option to buy. Besiktas subsequently returned with a permanent offer, but that was also dismissed after failing to meet Rangers’ asking price.

The latest development leaves Raskin’s position at Ibrox unresolved, although the midfielder remains under contract for another two years. The 25-year-old was involved in Wednesday night’s 2-1 Premiership victory over Falkirk, starting in midfield despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

His inclusion was significant given the transfer speculation that had surrounded him in recent days. the Belgian international had missed Rangers’ previous fixtures as interest intensified, but Derek McInnes opted to restore him to the starting XI for the trip to Falkirk.

The Rangers manager had already made clear before the match that he wanted to retain the player, praising his attitude and performances in training despite the distractions surrounding the transfer situation.

Speaking to Sky Sports, McInnes said he had been keen to utilise Raskin and would be delighted if the midfielder remained at the club after the transfer window. He also acknowledged that there had been considerable uncertainty surrounding the Belgian and that the situation had been difficult for everyone involved.

Raskin subsequently played his part in Rangers’ victory, helping to start the move that led to Lawrence Shankland opening the scoring. While he was not at his best throughout the game, his selection demonstrated that McInnes remains willing to use him when available.

The latest offer from Besiktas, however, means the situation is not necessarily settled. Rangers are understood to be holding firm on their valuation and will not entertain proposals below the figure they believe reflects Raskin’s worth.

That stance is particularly important given the player still has two years remaining on his contract. Rangers therefore remain in a strong negotiating position, with no immediate requirement to sell unless an acceptable offer arrives.

The picture is more complicated for Raskin. He has reportedly been keen on the possibility of playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues, but those opportunities did not materialise before the transfer windows in England, Spain and Italy closed. Turkey remains an option because its transfer window extends beyond the deadline in those major European leagues.

Besiktas’ failure to meet Rangers’ valuation means the next move could depend entirely on whether the Turkish club is prepared to significantly improve their offer. Rangers appear content to keep their asking price intact rather than accept a deal that does not satisfy their valuation.

Derek McInnes provides Raskin transfer update

McInnes’ comments and Raskin’s appearance against Falkirk suggest the Rangers boss would have no issue welcoming the midfielder back into his plans if he stays.

Asked if he expects Raskin to remain in Glasgow, McInnes responded: "Yeah, I think he will. I can’t say for certain - I'm not in control of that. Obviously Nico’s had an opportunity to go today, and it wasn’t something he wanted or the club. It was hardly the ideal preparation.

"I’ve been keen to utilise Nico, but there’s been a lot going on for him. He’s been training with us every day, and I do think at times the team needs a bit more experience. I know he’s still relatively young in terms of his career, but he’s got a lot of experience under his belt for someone his age. I think the team, at times, needs that, so I was always keen to get him involved tonight.

"Even coming through from Ibrox at lunchtime today, at the hotel, I had Thelo two rows behind me and Nico three rows behind me - and I didn’t know who was coming and who was going. It’s far from ideal. This is the difficulty when you’re playing games while the window’s still open.

"This seems to be the longest window ever. Thankfully, this will be the last question I get asked about a transfer window because on Saturday, when we’re at Motherwell, the transfer window’s shut. For clarity, calmness and peace of mind for so many people, including myself, it will be no bad thing."

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