As far as Derek McInnes is concerned this summer, it’s so far so good. Rangers have welcomed a whole host of incomings, including his former Hearts captain, Lawrence Shankland.
But the good news may not last forever, with Manchester United setting their sights on Ibrox favourite Nicolas Raskin.
|
Football FanCast’s Verdict |
|
|---|---|
|
Credibility |
Raskin has looked destined for the exit door at Ibrox for some time now and if Man United’s interest is genuine, it seems impossible that he would reject their advances. Whether Rangers cash in at a record price is the big question. They certainly won’t want to lose their star man at a cut-price. |
|
Finances |
The Gers’ record sale currently sits at £19.6m from when Ajax signed Calvin Bassey, but previous reports have claimed that they’re looking for around £25m to sell Raskin. |
|
Scouting |
If there were any doubts about Raskin’s ability to play at the top level, then those were put to bed at the World Cup. He impressed at times as Belgium reached the last eight before crashing out against Spain. As a box-to-box midfielder, Rangers will struggle to find a player who contributes so much going forward without the sacrifice of defensive work. |
|
Impact |
Whilst losing Raskin would be a major blow, it could also fund further incomings for McInnes – especially if Rangers receive a record fee in the process. |
In an ideal world, Rangers would be keeping hold of Raskin for years to come. As they proved to Hearts this summer, however, this world is far from ideal and the transfer window is in an undeniably ruthless mood.
It’s easy to see why Man United are interested in the Belgian, too. Just last season, he was involved in 13 goals in the Scottish Premiership – numbers only bettered by Bruno Fernandes in the Red Devils’ midfield.
Add in the fact that only three midfielders created more chances than Raskin in Scotland last season and Michael Carrick’s vision becomes clear.
|
SPFL chances created 25/26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Will Ferry (Dundee Utd) |
79 |
|
Alexandros Kyziridis (Hearts) |
67 |
|
Declan John (St. Mirren) |
46 |
|
Nicolas Raskin (Rangers) |
45 |
|
Stuart Armstrong (Aberdeen) |
44 |
The move is certainly one to keep an eye on if reports are anything to go by. According to Voetbal Krant, as relayed by Daily Record, Man United are expected to launch their move for Raskin and test Rangers’ resolve this summer.
Both the Red Devils and Aston Villa have the Belgian on their ‘shortlist’ as they look to improve their midfield depth.
Villa, for their part, have already lost Youri Tielemans to United while Amadou Onana suffered a serious knee injury during the World Cup.
United are keen to add several new faces in a position they have already seen a deal for Brazilian Ederson fall through.
Rangers close in on £4m deal
Rumours that Raskin could leave should at least hand Rangers a boost in terms of funding this summer and they’re already set to spend big on Vanja Dragojevic.
The Gers are reportedly closing in on a £4m deal for the Partizan midfielder, who could act as a replacement for Raskin if the latter seals a move away this summer.
At 20 years old, the defensive midfielder looks destined to become McInnes’ seventh arrival of the transfer window, as the new manager continues to build a side capable of winning the Scottish Premiership next season.
