Rangers star Nico Raskin ‘wanted by European giants as replacement for Euros winner'
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RANGERS are desperate to keep Nico Raskin beyond this summer after a standout campaign at Ibrox last season.
But Russell Martin may face a fight to hold onto the star midfielder as he's reportedly a transfer target for a Europa League club this window.
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A European club are looking at a potential deal for Nico Raskin
Credit: Willie Vass
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Rangers are desperate to keep the midfielder
Credit: Willie Vass
Raskin, 24, has two years left on his Rangers deal but SunSport understands the club are set to offer him a bumper new contract.
We told you last month how the Light Blues were preparing to fend off interest with fresh terms for the midfielder who recently broke his way into the Belgium squad.
Gers boss Martin wants to build his team around the midfield dynamo and contract discussions are on the agenda.
But they may need to act fast to tie him down as Spanish giants Real Betis have reportedly joined the race for him this week.
Spanish outlet Mucho Deporte claim the four-cap Belgian ace is one player Manuel Pellegrini is looking at as a replacement for outgoing midfielders Johnny Cardoso and William Carvalho.
The pair helped Betis reach the Uefa Conference League final last season, where they were beaten by Chelsea.
Cardoso, 23, has since sealed a big-money move to rivals Atletico Madrid, while the report suggests club icon Carvalho is also on his way out.
Carvalho has been at the club since 2018 and has enjoyed great success with his national team Portugal - winning the 2016 Euros and 2018/19 Nations League.
Pellegrini will be left with two massive voids to fill ahead of next season and is already weighing up moves for a replacement - or two.
And it's stated that Raskin has caught the Italian's eyes.
'Absolutely brilliant or RUBBISH' - Gassama Rangers transfer verdict and Souttar to leave
Rangers spent around £1.75million to sign Raskin from Standard Liege in January 2023 and his value is soaring.
The Ibrox club are in line to bank a huge profit on the midfielder should he depart in the coming weeks.
But sporting director Kevin Thelwell and the club's new US owners are determined to tie him down on a longer deal to protect their asset.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
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