Rangers are bracing for further interest in Nicolas Raskin as La Liga outfit Real Betis have stepped up their pursuit of the Belgian midfielder following a direct request from manager Manuel Pellegrini.
The 25-year-old Belgium international was already the subject of growing continental attention, with reports revealing that Villarreal hold an advantage over Italian giants AS Roma in a high-profile battle for his signature.
However, with Raskin set to return from his post-World Cup break, the transfer race for the Ibrox midfielder has now expanded significantly, with Real Betis accelerating their plans to lure him to Seville.
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Pellegrini demand drives Real Betis interest in Raskin
According to reporting from Spanish journalist Alvaro Borrego via ElDesmarque, Raskin has emerged as a high-priority target for the Betis hierarchy as they look to conduct a major overhaul of their central midfield options.
Borrego reports that Pellegrini has specifically asked his sporting director for a midfielder with a more defensive profile.
This explicit request from the veteran manager has led the Seville club to intensify their monitoring of the Rangers man.
The dynamic Belgian midfielder is understood to be high on Betis’ recruitment list as a key option to rejuvenate their engine room with young, high-value talent capable of generating future resale value.
While Raskin remains a primary candidate ‘marked in red’ by the La Liga side, Borrego notes that the Spanish club are also keeping tabs on alternative options, including Palmeiras midfielder Emi Martinez.
What this means for Rangers
With Pellegrini personally driving the push for a defensive midfielder and heavyweights like Villarreal and Roma already circling, Rangers stand to receive a substantial fee for the former Standard Liege man.
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The Andrew Cavenagh-led club have been holding out for a sum in excess of £20million, but it remains to be seen what Raskin’s suitors are willing to offer.
It would not be a surprise if Derek McInnes‘ side softened their stance, as they are keen to reinvest the fee into their own new additions this summer.
Under contract at Ibrox until 2028, any potential deal will require a substantial fee, but an official proposal from Betis could leave decision-makers in Glasgow with a crucial decision to make.
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