Real Betis are reportedly preparing to make a move for Rangers star Nico Raskin amid rising interest from across Europe. The Ibrox midfielder impressed for Belgium at the World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals, and now several clubs are circling.
Sources in Italy claim Atalanta and Bologna are keen on signing Raskin this summer, while reports from England suggest Rangers turned down a £14million offer from Hull City. Villarreal have also been mentioned as interested parties.
Betis step up interest
According to El Desmarque, Betis view Raskin as a 'high priority' after a 'special request' from boss Manuel Pellegrini. The veteran manager is keen on a defensive midfielder, and the club have followed the Rangers enforcer 'for months'. Pellegrini, a former Manchester City and Real Madrid boss, has now 'marked in red' a potential deal.
Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport note that Roma are also keen. The 25-year-old has moved up their 'long list' of targets to become a 'primary' candidate as the Serie A side look to bolster their midfield.
Contract and Rangers' stance
Raskin's contract at Ibrox has two years remaining. With a deep pool of midfielders already at his disposal, manager Derek McInnes could look to cash in to maximize profit for the former Standard Liege star.
Rangers have already added Cammy Devlin, Vanja Dragojevic and Dan Neil to the engine room this summer, and have also tracked Tromso playmaker Jens Hjerto‑Dahl.
Hjerto‑Dahl saga
The Glasgow giants saw a £5.3million bid for the 20‑year‑old rejected earlier this month, with the player admitting he was keen on a move to the Scottish Premiership. That allowed Cardiff City to step in with a bumper £7.8million package, but Tromso have made it clear they are in no rush to sell their prize asset.
Nordlys report that a host of teams across Europe have been alerted, with Red Bull Salzburg said to be considering a bid. Danny Rohl, who was previously linked with Hjerto‑Dahl in January during his time in charge at Ibrox, is said to be keen on the playmaker with the Austrian side.
As it stands, Tromso 'have sent a counteroffer' to Cardiff, sticking to their £8.5million valuation. Hjerto‑Dahl is expected to be in the squad for Thursday's Europa League qualifying second leg against FC Hradec Králové, with the Norwegian side looking to overturn a 1‑0 deficit in Czechia.
