Rangers finalising deal for Nicolas Raskin from Standard Liege – Sky Sports
Rangers are on the brink of signing Nicolas Raskin from Standard Liege with the club now “finalising” the deal, Sky Sports reports.
The Belgian midfielder has been on the outs with Ronny Deila since refusing to sign a new deal, but despite being headed for a free transfer exit in the summer and no longer featuring under the former Celtic boss Standard drove a hard bargain.
The 21-year-old was “one of Michael Beale’s top targets” after the arrival of Todd Cantwell from Norwich, and was interesting a number of other sides, but the Gers boss looks to have got his man as it is understood Raskin “will finalise his move in Glasgow ahead of Tuesday’s deadline”.
Beale had said, via Sky Sports: “There’s money to be spent but it’s there to be spent on the right ones.”
DH les Sports+ journalist Kevin Sauvage reported earlier on Monday (30 January) that the fee is expected to be £1.75million with a sell-on percentage clause attached.
Finally
This one proved to be far harder than expected given Raskin’s prospects in Belgium appeared to be close to non-existent for the rest of the season.
It may be that Rangers could have got a better deal but if he can inject some invention to the midfield and start turning wins into hammerings it will be money well spent.
This is now two players who were due to move for nothing in six months snapped up at Ibrox early, which some may see as money wasted but Beale clearly feels is worth it to add much-needed inspiration to his squad.
Cantwell looked encouraging in his first hour of Light Blues action against St Johnstone on Saturday (28 January), but the manager made clear afterwards that there was plenty more he feels needs to be done to the playing staff.
With Morgan Whittaker still being discussed, and Beale suggesting that there are other targets that have as yet not come to light, it could still be a busy deadline day (31 January).
But two of his main targets arriving this month is better than nothing, and with midfield looking to be in particular of rejuvenation it is a positive that Raskin appears to be imminent.
In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart clashed with James McFadden over Willie Collum controversy at Ibrox.