NafisaRangers could be on the verge of one of the biggest transfer shake-ups of the summer, with reports suggesting Nicolas Raskin is closing in on a lucrative move to Spain while Derek McInnes prepares to immediately reinvest the money into two exciting midfield arrivals.
The Belgian midfielder has attracted widespread interest following his impressive World Cup performances, with several top European clubs monitoring his progress. While Manchester United had been heavily linked in recent months, fresh reports from Spain now claim Villarreal have moved to the front of the queue.
The La Liga outfit are reportedly preparing a deal worth around £17 million (€20m) to prise Raskin away from Ibrox, with the midfielder expected to become one of Villarreal’s marquee additions ahead of the new season.
Should the transfer be completed, Rangers would receive a significant financial boost that could completely transform the remainder of their summer business.
McInnes previously admitted further arrivals would likely depend on player sales, and Raskin’s proposed departure now appears set to unlock the funds needed to strengthen the squad even further.
Top of Rangers’ wishlist remains highly-rated Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl.
Negotiations had appeared to stall earlier this week amid reports the move was close to collapsing. However, fresh claims suggest the deal has suddenly been revived.
According to freelance journalist Sam Cohen, Rangers’ third offer has resulted in “significant progress”, with a package worth around £6.6 million (€7.8m) now putting the Light Blues back in a strong position to land the Norwegian youngster.
Hjerto-Dahl has already made it clear he wants the move to Ibrox, and optimism is reportedly growing once again that an agreement can be reached.
While talks over the Norwegian continue, Rangers are already much closer to securing another midfield addition.
Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojevic is widely expected to complete his move to Glasgow after Rangers agreed a deal worth around £4 million.
The 20-year-old Serbian international is regarded as one of the brightest young midfielders in his country and has been identified by McInnes as a key part of his long-term rebuild.
Partizan manager Sasa Ilic has effectively confirmed the midfielder’s departure by publicly wishing his captain well before the transfer is officially completed.
Speaking about the imminent move, Ilic admitted replacing Dragojevic will be a major challenge.
“Our previous captain Vanja has now left us and I wish him all the best in his future career.
“Every coach in the world wants as many quality players as possible to increase the competition, but it depends on the possibilities and certain things within the club.
“I hope that we will bring in a few more names who will bring extra class, which is much needed after his departure.
“We have already signed four new players, but it is clear we will need some more new players now.
“Partizan works in such a way that we are dependent on selling players due to our financial issues.”
The comments strongly indicate Dragojevic’s switch to Rangers is now only awaiting the remaining formalities before being officially announced.
If Raskin’s move to Villarreal is finalised as expected, Rangers could quickly replace one departing star with two exciting midfield additions.
With Dragojevic nearing completion and Hjerto-Dahl’s deal gathering fresh momentum, McInnes appears determined to ensure Rangers emerge from the summer stronger despite the likely loss of one of their biggest assets.
The coming days could prove decisive as Rangers prepare for another hectic spell in the transfer market, with significant arrivals and departures now appearing increasingly likely.
Nafisa
