Rangers are edging closer to securing a deal for Serbian star Vanja Dragojevic, but the Ibrox club will not allow Youssef Chermiti to leave on the cheap this summer. Manager Derek McInnes is rebuilding the squad for a Premiership title challenge, with Partizan Belgrade captain Dragojevic a top target.
£3.8 Million Bid for Dragojevic
Record Sport revealed that Rangers made a £3.8 million bid for the 20-year-old last week. Partizan are holding out for a higher fee for their skipper, but negotiations are ongoing and Rangers are now confident they can secure Dragojevic as their latest signing. The Serbian international would bolster McInnes's midfield options.
Chermiti Stance Firm Amid Lyon Interest
Rangers' recruitment will also involve some big-name departures, with James Tavernier and Jack Butland already having left. However, Record Sport understands that Rangers do not want to part with Chermiti in this window. French club Lyon is interested in the Portuguese forward but has not yet tabled a bid. Chermiti, who arrived at Ibrox for £8 million last summer, scored 15 goals in his debut season, and McInnes is determined to keep him. It is understood that only a huge bid Rangers could not refuse would see the 22-year-old leave at this time.
Potential Offers for Nico Raskin
The club's hierarchy are also braced for potential offers for Belgian ace Nico Raskin. The midfielder was impressive for his national team in their World Cup last-16 win over the USA in Seattle on Monday night. Raskin has excelled at the tournament and has already been linked with a move to Atalanta in Italy. The 25-year-old has two years left on his current Ibrox contract, but Rangers will listen to offers this summer after his strong World Cup showing.
Reinforcements and Ongoing Targets
Raskin could be replaced by Serbian international Dragojevic, along with ex-Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil, who is already through the door. Rangers are also continuing to monitor Lewis Ferguson's situation at Bologna as they weigh up a potential big-money move for the Scotland international. McInnes has already added Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ivor Pandur, and Ben Godfrey in pre-season as part of the squad overhaul.
