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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Christopher Jack

Rangers remain in Nicolas Raskin talks as Michael Beale eyes midfield addition

RANGERS remain in discussions with Standard Liege after seeing their initial bid for midfielder Nicolas Raskin rejected on Thursday.

Boss Michael Beale completed his first switch of the January transfer window when Todd Cantwell put pen-to-paper on a long-term deal earlier this week.

But the move for Raskin remains in deadlock and Rangers will now need to go back to the negotiating table after Liege rebuffed their six-figure approach.

Raskin was at The Reds' training ground on Thursday as talks continued over his future and Standard are believed to be holding out for a fee of around one million Euros.

It is understood that Raskin's camp are calm about the situation and are confident that a resolution can be reached before the close of business this month.

The Belgian youth internationalist has been heading for the exit door in Liege for some time after falling out of favour with former Celtic boss Ronny Deila at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne.

Rangers have been long time admirers of Raskin and Beale confirmed that he was keen to do a deal for the 21-year-old ahead of the Scottish Cup clash with St Johnstone at the weekend.

Beale said: "A player I remember a lot from the time we played Standard Liege [in October 2020 in the Europa League]. He missed the first game against Rangers that night when Kemar Roofe scored that amazing goal but he played in the second leg.

"He is a player I am aware of, a very good player who is obviously out of contract in the summer and is attracting a lot of attention. There is an interest from us but I am sure there is from a number of clubs."

That interest has been stepped up in recent days but Rangers and Liege remain apart in their valuations and further talks will now need to be held if a deal is to be done.

Beale will address the media once again on Friday ahead of the Premiership fixture with St Johnstone and he could hand Cantwell his debut against Callum Davidson's side at Ibrox.

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