Derek McInnes' Rangers rebuild could centre on brave call on 'XXL' Nicolas Raskin

Derek McInnes will need all the help he can get to transform Rangers, which could mean a brave call being made on Nicolas Raskin.

Rangers have moved fast to make one of the signings of the summer already in free agent Lawrence Shankland.

That deal was announced before McInnes came on board as Danny Rohl's replacement.

The efficient nature of Shankland's arrival should be applauded, but that deal alone will not rescue Rangers.

While there is not exactly a chasm on Celtic, the 10-point gap last season is telling.

Celtic will not be as bad next season, either, so it is on Rangers to strengthen across the team ready to put up a strong fight.

Time may finally be right for Nicolas Raskin exit

Raskin has been linked with a Rangers exit across multiple transfer windows now.

Big money has been tabled in the past, we have been told, yet the Belgium international has remained.

However, reports from Belgium suggest the midfielder's entourage will push for an Ibrox exit this summer.

While Rangers should never be held to ransom, now might just be the time to cash in.

Raskin's stock will never be higher than this summer as he is already catching the eye for Belgium.

The 25-year-old, whose performance in a recent Belgium game was hailed as "XXL" by journalist Sacha Tavolieri, has two years to run on his contract.

It is probably safe to assume he will not be extending that, knowing he therefore has more bargaining power over his future.

Exactly how much Rangers could land for Raskin is unclear, but it is not fanciful to suggest an eight-figure sum is possible if he performs for Belgium in North America.

Accepting that offer would only make sense if every last penny is invested back into the squad - not just in midfield but all over.

Who could Rangers spend Raskin money on?

If Rangers have, say, £8m to spend on one player, that changes everything.

Right now the links are with relatively low-key players currently plying their trade in similar-calibre leagues.

But Rangers will be shopping in a different market if they are able to go another level up with their spending.

Nobody wants to see the Gers spend above their means, but the whole point of selling is to then reinvest.

Selling Raskin this summer would be a brave call and would weaken Rangers, but it could lead to McInnes' squad becoming stronger if the right calls are then made.

For now, Raskin simply needs to do what he is doing at the World Cup and Rangers will then have to decide what is best if the offers do come in.