Rangers make transfer admission over in-demand star as Aston Villa target's exit anticipated
Internationalist won’t be involved for season opener
Rangers boss Derek McInnes has confirmed he’s made contingency plans for losing midfielder Nico Raskin amid interest from English Premier League giants Aston Villa.
The 25-year old attracted further attention from the Europa League winners after a successful World Cup campaign with his Belgium, where he helped them reach the quarter-final stage. Because of this, as well as the transfer speculation, Raskin will play no part in Rangers’ opener against Dundee United at Tannadice this Friday.
Since signing from Standard Liege in 2023, Raskin has been a consistent performer in the Rangers midfield, which is part of the reason why he’s made into a star-studded Belgian squad. As well as Villa, Premier League new boys Hull City have also expressed an interest, along with European sides Real Betis, Villareal, Atalanta and Bologna.
McInnes makes Raskin transfer admission
Speaking after Rangers’ goalless draw against West Ham on Sunday, the manager told the Rangers Review: "Obviously Nico might be subject to some interest; we're well aware of that, and we always thought he could be a flight risk this summer in the back of the World Cup.
"So we've reinforced the midfield area, but obviously if nothing comes in for Nico then he's another good player to add to it. The one area of the pitch where I'm really strong is through the middle of the park just now. Nico will be back this week, but he won't come into contention for the game on Friday; he's not going to do enough training ahead of that."
While losing a player of Raskin’s pedigree would be a hammer blow to any side, the Light Blues have already strengthened - and are looking for further central midfield options for the season ahead. To add to this, the club are reportedly seeking an eight-figure fee for the Belgian, which could be reinvested elsewhere.
What midfield options do Rangers have?
McInnes has already signed three midfielders in the summer window, having enlisted Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin and Vanja Dragojevic. A pattern has emerged between the three engine room additions, as leaders for their previous clubs. Neil and Dragojevic captained Sunderland and Partizan Belgrade respectively, while Devlin has been an influential figure at Hearts in recent years.
The club also remain interested in Tromso’s Jens Hjerto-Dahl as they continue to seek reinforcements. The 20-year old Norwegian midfielder is also on Cardiff City’s radar but reportedly favours an Ibrox move. Already in the building, Rangers currently have Tochi Chukwuani, Mohamed Diomande, Connor Barron and Lyall Cameron among others, leaving them plenty of options for the season ahead irrespective of Raskin’s future.