What Derek McInnes has instantly had to say as Nicolas Raskin makes Rangers exit admission

Nicolas Raskin has opened up about his Rangers future after seeing a summer transfer fail to materialise.

The Belgium international looked certain to depart Ibrox in the close-season, even more so after impressing at the World Cup.

Raskin had his fair share of suitors, with numerous bids reported to have been made at various points.

However, Rangers' asking price of a reported £20million was not met by any of those interested clubs.

Real Betis are reportedly readying a move for Raskin in the January transfer window.

Amid the ongoing rumours, the 25-year-old has now spoken openly about his future.

What has Nicolas Raskin said about Rangers future?

Raskin was put up to speak to the media ahead of Rangers' clash with St Johnstone on Saturday afternoon.

The Belgian was inevitably asked about what happened in the summer and what is next, with the window reopening in a little over two months' time.

"When you're an ambitious player, you want to keep going higher and higher and higher, so I thought there was a point where maybe I could try to go and get a new challenge after the World Cup," Raskin said.

"But like I said, I've never been pushing for something because I'm really happy here - it's a big club.

"This club helped me to join the Belgian national team, which is a big thing. So I'm really calm with that.

"If something comes and everybody would be happy with it, then I would have looked to see if I could do it or not. But I don't need to push anything."

Raskin went on to admit he is unsure about what the future holds, with the rumours regarding his future unlikely to go away anytime soon.

But what does manager Derek McInnes make of the situation?

Derek McInnes responds to Nicolas Raskin latest

McInnes hailed Raskin as "brilliant" after the 3-0 win over Celtic last month and has always made clear he is glad to have him in his squad.

However, the former Hearts boss is pretty much powerless to what happens next.

Ultimately, if a bid comes in early in the New Year, whether from Betis or anyone else, the Gers board will surely accept it if it matches their valuation.

McInnes was himself asked about Raskin's comments at the same press conference on Friday.

Asked if Raskin could yet sign a contract extension at Ibrox beyond June 2028, McInnes said: "I normally leave those sort of contract discussions between the club, the player and the agent.

"But if there was an opportunity to work with Nico beyond that, then obviously it's something that I would not be against.

"Unless something comes up that really turns his head and really turns Rangers' head, then we keep working together.

"And how long that remains, whether it's to the end of the season or whether it's beyond that, too many things can happen."

As McInnes rightly says, it is too hard to predict what will happen next with Raskin.

What we know for certain is that he will not be around forever, but exactly how long he remains at Ibrox is unclear.

If he can help guide the Gers to title success this campaign before bowing out for a large fee, that would surely suit all parties nicely.