IT’S RASK & REWARD FOR BEALE
V
today, 5.30pm
MICHAEL BEALE last night confirmed Rangers are in the chase for Standard Liege ace Nicolas Raskin as the Ibrox boss hinted he could fast-track his summer recruitment drive to this month.
Gers have been long-time admirers of Belgian midfield starlet Raskin and are close to finally making their move this week.
The 21-year-old is out of contract with Standard – managed by former Celtic gaffer Ronny Deila – in the summer but has been bombed from the ex-parkhead chief’s first team following a breakdown in renewal talks.
Rangers could offer a possible solution to the row by offering a move to Ibrox but reports in Belgium last night stating he had undergone a medical are wide of the mark. Benfica are also keen on the player.
It’s not the only deal brewing and it is understood an agreement for Norwich’s Todd Cantwell is imminent, with the Carrow Road ace moving north before the January deadline.
Gers also haven’t given up on Swansea winger Morgan Whittaker despite claims in Wales that a £1.5million bid had been rejected.
Beale was trying to keep his cards close to his chest as he met the media yesterday, at first offering a “no comment” response to enquires about his transfer business.
But the Ibrox boss couldn’t resist offering up a little teaser when Raskin’s name was dangled.
He said: “Another good player to be fair. A player I remember a lot from the time we played Standard Liege.
“He missed the first game against Rangers the night Kemar Roofe scored that amazing goal but he played in the second leg and he’s a player I’m aware of.
“He’s a very good player that’s obviously out of contract in the summer and is attracting a lot of attention.”
Whittaker has been recalled by Swansea after a promising loan stint with Plymouth but would be ruled out of moving this season if Swans boss Russell Martin goes ahead with his threat to field him against Beale’s old QPR side in this afternoon’s Championship fixture.
Beale said: “Obviously, we’re doing the business in private – in South Wales they’ve spoken out about it so we don’t want to add to that.”
He’s a very good player and is one who is out of contract