Rangers see deal back on for target 'at risk of collapse' as he's half of duo in line to replace £17m star
Midfielder has also been targeted by Cardiff City
Rangers transfer target Jens Hjerto-Dahl is edging closer to a deal despite reports of a ‘collapse’, as the midfielder, along with Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojevic, appears to be the natural replacement for Nico Raskin.
The 20-year old Tromso man has been on Rangers’ radar since January, however the club have never been closer to getting a deal over the line. Cardiff City had also reportedly expressed an interest but have been turned down. ‘Personal terms’ have now been agreed for Hjerto-Dahl, as a Dragojevic deal is also nearing completion. The midfield duo would reportedly set Rangers back around £12m.
Headed the in the other direction is Belgian maestro Raskin, who attracted several more suitors after a successful World Cup campaign. Premier League sides Manchester United and Hull City are among those who’ve been monitoring - the latter saw a bid rejected earlier in the window, however La Liga outfit Villareal now look to be the frontrunners having proposed a deal worth £17m. If Raskin departs the club, the money would be reinvested on Hjerto-Dahl and Dragojevic.
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Raskin exit would ‘free up’ resources for Hjerto-Dahl deal
The Daily Record report that Derek McInnes is hoping ‘free up’ financial resources before anymore incoming transfers. The new Rangers boss has already completed the signings of Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, Ivor Pandur, Dan Neil and Cammy Devlin, to add to Lawrence Shankland who was already in the building when he arrived. The sale of Raskin would enable to the club to continue pursuing Hjerto-Dahl, who would set them back around £6.6m.
The Dragojevic negotiations are a lot further on as the midfielder is ‘poised’ for a £4m move, which would leave Rangers a healthy £5m profit if they get their reported asking price for Raskin. Partizan boss Sasa Ilic has already wished the 20-year old all the best in his next chapter.
He said: “Our previous captain Vanja has now left us and I wish him all the best in his future career. Every coach in the world wants as many quality players as possible to increase the competition, but it depends on the possibilities and certain things within the club. I hope that we will bring in a few more names who will bring extra class, which is much needed after his departure.”
Raskin to Villareal assessed
The 25-year old helped Belgium reach the quarter final stage of the World Cup, where they were narrowly defeated by Spain on July 10. There was already plenty of interest in Raskin after a successful three and a half years at Ibrox, but after featuring in every game for the Red Devils, a new worldwide audience has all but sealed his future away from Rangers.
He is now set to become Villareal’s first signing of the season in a deal worth £17m as they beat Manchester United and Hull to the punch. Raskin has made 145 appearances and scored 13 goals for Rangers since signing from Standard Liege back in January 2023.