Why Villarreal can forget all about Nicolas Raskin deal as Rangers exit option closes off
Villarreal aren't looking to spend much amid links to Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, sources have told Ibrox News.
The LaLiga club have been suggested as an option for the Belgium international, but their priorities lie elsewhere.
As things stand, the 25-year-old's future seems to be away from the Gers as Derek McInnes prepares for next season without him.
It has been claimed that Villarreal are interested in Raskin as he prepares to take the next step away from Ibrox.
The midfielder was pivotal to Danny Rohl's plans last season, but the ex-Hearts boss has already made several additions to his engine room, likely in anticipation of his exit.
While the former Standard Liege star's exit from the Glaswegian outfit feels inevitable, a move to Estadio de la Ceramica has all but closed off.
What Villarreal are willing to pay amid interest in Nicolas Raskin
Raskin is reportedly being eyed by Villarreal and Real Betis this transfer window.
The Belgian ace isn't someone the Yellow Submarine seem to be actively pursuing, with sources suggesting that they don't want to make a huge financial outlay this summer.
Ibrox News has been told that while the LaLiga club are looking to sign a midfielder, they want a free agent or someone on loan.
The maximum amount the Spanish side are willing to spend to reinforce their engine room is between £3.5million to £5m.
Raskin is valued closer to the £20m mark by Rangers, making this a non-starter.
Villarreal could consider splashing the cash if they sell Pape Gueye, who is valued at £34.2m
However, even if the Senegal international leaves for big money, Raskin is seen as someone with a different profile to him.
How Rangers have already replaced one important aspect of Raskin at Ibrox
Raskin is one of the few senior figures at Rangers, having signed for them in January 2023.
James Tavernier and Jack Butland have left the Gers, while John Souttar also seems to be on his way out.
The Belgium international is now one of the longest-serving players in the Light Blues' squad.
Speaking to the media about Raskin earlier this year, Rohl said: "From my side I'm very clear, he's a key player.
"He gives us structure with the ball, he's very aggressive against the ball, he can score and he's a leader."
Leadership is something the Glaswegian outfit were clearly lacking at the start of the summer, but with the arrivals of Lawrence Shankland, Dan Neil and Vanja Dragojevic, that void has arguably been filled.