Standard Liege midfielder and Rangers target Nicolas Raskin would ‘prefer’ a move to the Premier League in a potential boost to Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United, according to Belgian publication Voetbal Nieuws.
On Monday evening, Raskin took to social media for the second time in a matter of days. This time, however, his message was far less incendiary, even if he did take the opportunity to put forward his side of the story after contract talks with Standard Liege collapsed.
“My impulsive message, born of sadness and disappointment, suggests that I have decided to end my adventure at Standard. That is not correct,” Raskin points out via his official Instagram account.
“The dispute with the current management goes beyond just my salary. I respect their decision, but I regret making it a pay issue. That is not the case.”
Leeds United and Rangers like Nicolas Raskin of Standard Liege
Either way, Raskin’s January departure now feels inevitable. Unavoidable, perhaps. The Belgium U21 international will be a free-agent in July and, with a contract extension pretty much ruled out at this stage, Standard Liege would obviously rather cash in during the winter than lose their prized asset for nothing in the summer.
Per Fabrizio Romano, Raskin has already been demoted to the reserves. Standard’s former Celtic coach Ronny Deila, meanwhile, insists that the all-action 21-year-old will not ‘play or train with us anymore’.
The good news, as far as Raskin is concerned, is that offers will not be in short supply. Marseille, Club Brugge, Lille, Galatasaray, Fiorentina; those are just some of the clubs interested in perhaps the most complete midfielder in Belgian football.
Rangers have also expressed a desire to sign the £5 million-rated Raskin; midfield reinforcements a must at Ibrox as Ryan Jack, Steven Davis and Scott Arfield enter the final few months of their contracts.
Voetbal Nieuws, however, believe that Raskin would ‘prefer’ to play in England over Scotland. This, therefore, hands Leeds United an advantage, with Jesse Marsch’s side also in the market for midfield additions. Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich are both expected to leave Elland Road in 2023.
Formerly of Anderlecht and Gent, Raskin has one goal and four assists in 17 Jupiler League games this season for a Standard side sitting seventh in the table.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
