Rangers exit on cards with Euro giants frontrunners for major transfer as teammate lands new deal

Head coach Derek McInnes confirmed that the Belgium international would play no part in their league opener against Dundee United this week in the aftermath of their pre-season clash with West Ham United at the weekend, and admitted the club are anticipating transfer approaches for Raskin following his impressive performances at the World Cup this summer.

“Obviously Nico might be subject to some interest,” said McInnes. “We're well aware of that, and we always thought he could be a flight risk this summer in the back of the World Cup. So we've reinforced the midfield area, but obviously if nothing comes in for Nico then he's another good player to add to it. The one area of the pitch where we’re really strong is through the middle of the park just now.

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“Nico will be back this week, but he won't come into contention for the game on Friday, he's not going to do enough training ahead of that. And I think after as many games played, World Cup exploits, we never planed for Nico to be back for Dundee United, but there will be good options in there, and it's an area of the team we're quite strong.”

Contracted until the summer of 2028, the diminutive midfielder has been linked with several clubs throughout the summer, with English Premier League newcomers Hull City credited with an interest, alongside Bologna, Villarreal, and Real Betis. It is understood the club value Raskin at around the £17million mark.

However, reports in his native Belgium claim that AS Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini is leading the race to sign Raskin this summer, with the Giallorossi ‘top of the list’ ahead of La Liga outfit Villarreal. The report from Voetbalkrant says that the 25-year-old has a strong list of options when it comes to choosing his new club, but that the Serie A side have a ‘slight edge’ as he prepares to make a return to Glasgow following his exploits in North America earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Rangers starlet Paul Nsio is close to agreeing a new deal at Ibrox after impressing on loan at Raith Rovers. The 20-year-old was a standout at Stark's Park last season, making 24 appearances and scoring two goals as he helped the Kirkcaldy club win the Challenge Cup, while he was named the club’s Young Player of the Year.

Nsio has made only sporadic appearances for the Rangers senior team, but is understood to be highly rated by club officials, who are ready to offer him an extension. According to the Rangers Review, the youngster will commit his long-term future to Rangers before being allowed to make a loan switch to Premiership rivals St Mirren to gain more first-team exposure.