Raskin's World Cup Form Sparks Transfer Interest
Nico Raskin has been made available for transfer by Rangers this summer, with Premier League newcomers Hull City leading the chase. The 25-year-old midfielder impressed for Belgium at the World Cup, helping the Red Devils reach the quarter-finals with a 4-1 victory over the USA. Raskin provided an assist for Charles De Ketelaere in that match and was praised by Real Madrid teammate Thibaut Courtois, who said: "Raskin is really very prominent, a real driving force. He is present in the box, but is also back in his own penalty area."
Hull City Confident of Deal
Former Hull City star Mick Brown told the Hull Daily Mail that the club is confident of securing Raskin's signature. "They've never been shy of spending money and refreshing the team, but then it's about where they can go to get these players. Nicolas Raskin is somebody they've identified, and they think he will be available from Rangers," Brown said. "There's obviously a lot of interest, but they're confident they can do a deal. Hull can't afford to shop in that top echelon of players because there will be bigger clubs with bigger budgets competing, but signing one of Rangers' best players would be a good deal."
Rangers Could Cash In
Raskin's contract at Ibrox still has two years remaining, and Rangers may look to maximize profit on the former Standard Liege star. Reports in Italy suggest Atalanta and Bologna are also interested, while sources in England claim Rangers have rejected a £14 million offer from Hull. Brown added: "It's something they're looking to do, and from a Rangers point of view, it might be hard to stop him moving to the Premier League. That's the big advantage Hull have to use to beat their rivals to deals now, they're in the Premier League, and they can offer players the chance to make that step."
Lewis Ferguson Transfer Summit Set
Should Raskin depart, Rangers manager Derek McInnes will need to fill a gap in midfield. Bologna's Lewis Ferguson is a target, though a big fee would be required for the Scotland international. Italian outlet Il Resto del Carlino reports that Ferguson is set for talks with new Bologna boss Domenico Tedesco over his future amid rising transfer interest. A potential swap deal involving Raskin or Connor Barron has been floated in Italy.
Former Rangers Scout Endorses Ferguson
Former Rangers scout Neil Murray believes Ferguson fits the profile the club should pursue. "It's not necessarily superstars or extravagant footballers, committed characters are also important because it just keeps the standard high in a dressing room," Murray said. "Derek is a good appointment for Rangers because he clearly understands the club and its demands. Other managers who have come in have needed a steep learning curve in that sense. When I was scouting at Rangers, we always looked for leaders, or captains in their own right. We signed 'Captain America' Carlos Bocanegra, and Dorin Goian captained Romania from time to time. We also were interested in, and looked at, Gareth McAuley years before he eventually arrived - he is a captain-type and a great talker. That is always important for Rangers."
