As for Derek McInnes this summer, so far so good. Rangers welcomed a number of new arrivals, including his former Hearts captain, Lawrence Shankland.
But the good news may not last forever, with Manchester United eyeing Ibrox favorite Nicolas Raskin.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Raskin has looked set for an exit from Ibrox for some time now and if Man United’s interest is genuine, it seems unlikely that he will turn down their advances. Whether the Rangers make a record amount of money is a big question. They certainly won’t want to lose their star at a reduced price. |
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Finance |
The Gers’ record transfer fee currently stands at £19.6m since Ajax signed Calvin Bassey, but previous reports claim they want around £25m to sell Raskin. |
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Testing |
If there were any doubts about Raskin’s ability to play at the highest level, they were put to rest at the World Cup. He impressed at times as Belgium reached the last eight before beating Spain. As a box-to-box midfielder, Rangers will be hard-pressed to find a player who contributes more going forward without sacrificing a defensive role. |
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Impact |
While losing Raskin would be a huge blow, it could also fund additional income for McInnes – especially if Rangers receive a record deal in the process. |
In an ideal world, the Rangers would be holding onto Raskin for years to come. However, as they proved to Hearts this summer, the world is not in good shape and the transfer window is in a ruthless state.
It’s easy to see why Man United are interested in the Belgian, too. Just last season, he scored 13 goals in the Scottish Premiership – numbers set by Bruno Fernandes in the Red Devils’ midfield.
Add in the fact that only three midfielders created more chances than Scotland’s Raskin last season and Michael Carrick’s opinion is clear.
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SPFL opportunities created on 25/26 |
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Will Ferry (Dundee Utd) |
79 |
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Alexandros Kyziridis (Hearts) |
67 |
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Declan John (St. Mirren) |
46 |
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Nicolas Raskin (Rangers) |
45 |
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Stuart Armstrong (Aberdeen) |
44 |
This step is one that should be looked into if there are reports. According to Voetbal Krant, as reported by the Daily Record, Man United are expected to launch their move for Raskin and test Rangers’ decision this summer.
Both the Red Devils and Aston Villa have the Belgian on their ‘short list’ as they look to improve their midfield depth.
Villa, on the other hand, have already lost Youri Tielemans to United and Amadou Onana suffered a serious knee injury during the World Cup.
United are keen to add a few new faces to the area which has seen the deal for Brazilian Ederson come to fruition.
Rangers close £4m deal
Rumors that Raskin could leave should at least give Rangers a boost in terms of funding this summer and they are already set to spend big on Vanja Dragojevic.
The Gers are reportedly closing in on a £4m deal for the Partizan midfielder, who could replace Raskin if the latter goes on leave this summer.
He is 20 years old, this midfielder who plays in the middle looks like it will be the seventh time for McInnes to arrive in this transfer window, as the new coach continues to build a team that will be able to win the title of the Scottish Premiership next season.
