Michael Beale insists Rangers are getting closer to signing Nicolas Raskin as the Belgian midfielder reportedly arrived in Scotland yesterday to complete his Ibrox move.
Reports claimed a deal worth £1.75million for 21-year-old Standard Liege midfielder has been agreed ahead of tonight’s transfer deadline.
Speaking before the Premiership match against Hearts at Tynecastle tomorrow, the Gers boss – who signed Todd Cantwell last week – was asked how close the move was to completion, saying: ‘He’s an excellent player, there is loads of interest, he has a lot of options I believe.
‘He is someone who can connect the midfield and the forwards, he is technically a very good player. He can play as a six or an eight and he will be a good signing for someone. He is a sought-after player in Europe, it is an eye-catching one because of his age and the fact that his contract is running down.
‘He has a lot of people who like him, he is a player very well thought of in the Belgium national team set-up as well. I can’t confirm anything but we are closer.
‘We’re looking for a midfielder that strengthens us and creates competition. I want players here for the long-term.’
Swansea’s Morgan Whittaker was also a target for the Ibrox club but Beale said: ‘He will be staying at Swansea I believe.’
Asked what had happened with Rangers’ interest, the former QPR boss said: ‘There was just one bid that went in that got rejected. He’s a boy they like, that’s why they brought him back from (a loan at) Plymouth. They’ve got their plans with him.
‘I thought he was the most eye-catching player in League One this season and he’s gone back to Swansea, they’re probably looking at the league table and thinking he’s a valuable asset’.
Beale, assistant coach at Ibrox during Steven Gerrard’s tenure, anticipates a difficult match against Robbie Neilson’s third-place Jambos.
‘Robbie has done a fantastic job for his second time at Hearts,’ said the Gers boss, who has won nine and drawn one of his 10 games since taking over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November.
‘Playing in Europe, like it did for us, it kicks you on two or three notches. This is the strongest Hearts squad I can remember.
‘I always like going to Tynecastle, it is a feisty game.’
MORE : Rangers boss Michael Beale makes Todd Cantwell his first signing
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