Rangers have reportedly informed clubs in Spain that they value midfielder Nico Raskin at £20 million, as interest in the Belgian international intensifies following his impressive performances at the World Cup. The Ibrox star helped Belgium reach the quarter-finals of the tournament, drawing attention from across Europe.
Interest from Italy and Spain
Sources in Italy indicate that Atalanta and Bologna are keen on signing Raskin this summer, while reports in England suggest that Rangers turned down a £14 million offer from Hull City. Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that both Real Betis and Villarreal have been told the £20 million valuation as they consider making an offer. Sevilla are also said to be monitoring Raskin's situation.
Raskin's contract at Ibrox still has two years remaining, and Rangers could look to cash in to maximize profit for the former Standard Liege star. Manager Derek McInnes boasts a deep pool of midfield players, with free agents Dan Neil and Cammy Devlin already signed.
Vanja Dragojevic Deal Advances
Partizan Belgrade star Vanja Dragojevic is set to follow, with Rangers having upped their offer to £4.6 million, including a 10 percent sell-on clause. Record Sport understands that Ibrox chiefs are confident they will finally secure the 20-year-old midfield anchor. The highly-rated player is one of Partizan's prize assets, but reports in Serbia suggest the club cannot turn down the cash due to financial problems.
Partizan president Rasim Ljajić conceded last week that the cash-strapped club could not sign players until others were offloaded and were preparing to ramp up talks about cut-price deals for key stars. He told Arena Sport: "Now we don't have money, but I hope we will get it through sales. We have offers that we can accept immediately, they are not bad."
Ljajić added: "We had visits from club directors who showed interest in our players, and we are waiting for more intensive discussions to begin and may not get full value. We have ten players who are our wishes, but have to wait. I hope this transfer window will be successful."
More Signings Possible
The arrival of Dragojevic may not be the only new face before next week's friendly clash with St-Etienne. McInnes revealed that two players could arrive. Speaking to club media at the club's Spanish training camp, the boss said: "The club has done brilliant work at this moment in time to try and bring in the additions that we clearly needed. We want to make sure we are a more rounded squad when it comes to the bit that we're ready, but the work will be ongoing. We're still looking to try and get a couple of things done ahead of the St-Etienne game."
McInnes added: "We're two weeks away from Dundee United [opening day of the league campaign], and I feel that the fitness of the players is a lot better and stronger to where we want it to be, from when we set off a couple of weeks ago."
