Rangers are close to completing their second January signing as they work to finalise a move for Standard Liege midfielder Nicolas Raskin; Michael Beale has already signed Todd Cantwell from Norwich and remains in negotiations with various targets
Tuesday 31 January 2023 17:21, UK
Nicolas Raskin has arrived at Rangers' training centre to complete his move from Standard Liege on deadline day.
The midfielder, 21, has been one of manager Michael Beale's top targets during this transfer window and will become Rangers' second January arrival following the signing of Todd Cantwell.
It is understood Raskin was also attracting interest from several clubs across Europe too, but will finalise his move in Glasgow ahead of deadline day.
"He's an excellent player, there's loads of interest in him," said Beale when asked about the club's interest in Raskin.
"He's got a lot of options I believe. He is someone that can connect the midfield and the forwards, he's technically a very, very good player, he can play as a six or an eight. He'd be a good signing for someone.
"He's an eye-catching one because of his age and the fact that his contract is running down. He's got a lot of people that like him and is a player that's very well thought of in the Belgium national team set-up as well.
"I can't confirm anything right now - but we're closer, but it's not guaranteed.
"We are looking for a midfielder that strengthens the team and creates more competition.
"I want players here for the long term and to make us stronger right now. Once the window shuts the coaching takes place and I am looking forward to that. We always have different targets for every position - I am really pleased with the targets from our recruitment team, we are all aligned across the club."
Beale, however, revealed Swansea forward Morgan Whittaker is unlikely to swap the Welsh club for Glasgow, despite interest from Rangers.
The Ibrox club's formal bid for the player has been rejected, with Beale adding: "He will be staying at Swansea, I believe.
"I think it was just the one bid that went in for him. That got rejected.
"Since then, there's been a lot of hot air. I think he's a boy they like, that's why they brought him back from Plymouth as they probably had their plan for him.
"I thought he was probably the most eye-catching player in League One this season. He's gone back to Swansea and I think they're probably looking at the league table and thinking he's a real valuable asset.
"There's no problem with that. He's their boy and I think he's a good player and I wish him and Swansea well."
Who will be on the move this winter? The January transfer window closes at midnight in Scotland on Tuesday January 31, 2023.
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