Rangers manager Michael Beale has poured cold water on reports the Nicolas Raskin move is a done deal as he brands the latest claims “not true”.
Reports surrounding the Belgian midfielder, 21, have intensified today after claims Rangers and Standard Liege thrashed out a deal late last night.
It has been claimed that Rangers have struck a £1.75m transfer of Nicolas Raskin with a 20% sell-on despite the fact the player’s contract is up in the summer.
There have also been claims that the player has jetted into Scotland for a medical ahead of the switch as Rangers prepare to make their second signing of the January transfer window behind Todd Cantwell.
Michael Beale: Nicolas Raskin not a Rangers player yet
Stopping short of denying the move, Rangers manager Michael Beale claims the deal is not at the advanced stage reports are suggesting but once again waxed lyrical about the potential of Nicolas Raskin as a player.
“It’s not closer officially than what it was when I spoke to you on Saturday evening,” said Beale, speaking ahead of the midweek clash with Hearts [Rangers].
“As soon as we have any difference on that in the next 24 hours I’ll let you know. I’ve just seen it there going across the bottom of the screen that it’s done and that’s not true.
“He’s an excellent player and there’s loads of interest in him. He’s got a lot options. He’s someone who can connect the midfield and forwards. He’s a technically very good player and can play as a six or an eight and he will be a good signing for someone.
“There’s a lot of competition for his signature. He’s a sought after player in Europe. He’s an eye catching one because of his age and the fact his contract is running down.
“He’s got a lot of people who like him and he’s a player that is very well thought of in the Belgium set up as well. I can’t confirm anything right now but we’re closer but it’s not guaranteed right now.
“With the teams that are linked with him and the interest he’s had, if he was to come here then he would be very serious about playing for Rangers and it would be a good asset for us to have. He will have to come in and adjust to the league but at 21 he’s got a bright future.
“He’s already played the best part of two or three seasons for Standard Liege, he’s obviously played for Belgium U21s and been in and around getting a senior call up so he’s a good player.”
It certainly appears that Rangers are closing in on a deal for Nicolas Raskin but as Michael Beale explains, it’s not signed, sealed and delivered just yet.
Meanwhile, in another world Chelsea interest in Enzo Fernandez might’ve hiccuped any Rangers Nicolas Raskin switch.
