Standard Liege coach Ronny Deila admits it would be ‘good’ if Nicolas Raskin left the Jupiler League outfit during the January transfer window with Rangers lining up a winter deal, speaking to Walfoot.
With one of Belgium’s most promising talents out of favour and currently training with the reserves, Standard Liege are not exactly operating from a position of strength as they look to find a buyer for a player who has been linked with, amongst others, Barcelona, Leeds United and Napoli in recent months.
Did we mention that Raskin’s contract expires in July? And, with the Belgian U21 international reluctant to sign an extension, Standard may have little choice but to accept offers much lower than their initial £6 million asking price (Het Nieuwsblad).
“We’ll see what happens. Will they (Raskin and fellow misfit Selim Amallah) leave? We don’t know what will happen. But it would be good for all parties if we quickly find a solution,” says Deila, Standard’s former Celtic coach.
“Not playing for six months is not a good thing for them. And, then, it is not pleasant to keep players who no longer want to stay here. It costs us a lot of money (in wages).”
Rangers are keen on Standard Liege misfit Nicolas Raskin
According to reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Rangers are in ‘advanced’ negotiations with Raskin. Gers boss Mick Beale – refreshingly honest and open when discussing his transfer plans with the press – confirmed his interest ahead of Saturday’s 1-0 Scottish Cup fourth round win away from home at St Johnstone.
“Another good player. A player I remember a lot from the time we played Standard Liege (in the Europa League two years ago). He missed the first game against Rangers the night Kemar Roofe scored that amazing goal. But he played in the second leg,” Beale recalls.
“A very good player. I’m aware that his contract expires in the summer. He is attracting a lot of attention. There is an interest from us, but there is interest from a lot of others. I like to compliment good players. He certainly is one.”
21-year-old Raskin possesses about every attribute you could possibly want from a midfielder; a belligerent ball-winner but an excellent ball-carrier too. A natural-born leader even at such a young age, and capable of chipping in with the odd assist on occasions.
“The whole team was good. But Nicolas Raskin was the Man of the Match in my eyes,” Deila said after Raskin scored in a recent 3-1 victory over Anderlecht; a trademark, all-action performance from this jack-of-all-trades enforcer.
“He was monstrous. We’re talking about a leader. His level is constantly evolving. I am proud of him because he has improved. Before, he was a much more emotional player whereas now he is much calmer and more disciplined on the field.”
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