Michael Beale has secured his first signing as Rangers boss in the shape of Todd Cantwell and a second is on the horizon.
Highly-rated midfielder Nicolas Raskin looks set to make the switch to the Light Blues and become January arrival number two in a swoop from Standard Liege. The 21-year-old is believed to have had many top clubs keen on his services - particularly in Germany - but he appears to have opted for Glasgow with a move on a long-term deal to be sealed later today say the Scottish Sun. They claim he jetted into Scotland last night and will put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
Raskin's contract is up in the summer but the Ibrox men have moved to bring him in now with a deal in place that is believed to also contain a 20 per cent sell on for the Belgians. Speaking about the midfielder, Beale said: “He was a boy that we’ve been aware of since we played Standard. When we analysed them, he was the player who really jumped out because he was only 18 or 19, so I’m delighted we’re being linked with him and hopefully more than that.”
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The Rangers boss is also keen on adding a new No9 to his ranks but that one may have to wait until the summer. He has identified the exact man he wants to fill the role but isn't sure he will be available until the next window. Alfredo Morelos is out of contract with his future at Ibrox unclear while Kemar Roofe - who has struggled with injuries of late - is not viewed as that type of player. Even if Morelos decides to stay in Glasgow, that won't change the plans over the position.
Beale added: “I think I’ll have a clearer picture in the summer. I’d like to bring another No 9 in who is different to the ones we’ve got.
"I’ve got my eye on a target who is probably not available right now, but will be in the summer. I don’t want to give you any names because everybody else might star liking him but I’ve got my eye on a very specific player for the summer and I hope we’ll be able to do it then.
“Alfredo Morelos is out of contract, Kemar Roofe has had a disrupted year. I’m also not certain that Kemar is an out-and-out No 9.
“So if Alfredo moves on, that would only leave Antonio Colak, so there is room in the squad for another No 9. If Alfredo was to stay, I still want another No 9."
Others out of contract include Ryan Kent and Ryan Jack with the club keen to tie down the key duo. The likes of Allan McGregor, Steven Davis and Filip Helander are also currently in the final six months of their current deals.
One man who WON'T arrive at Rangers before the deadline is Morgan Whittaker. A bid for the Swansea City attacker was booted out and that has ended the Light Blues' interest in trying to bring him north of the border. Beale has wished both the English Championship side and the player well but has made it clear he won't be at Ibrox before the deadline.
Charlie McCann has already left for Forest Green Rovers while there is talk surrounding Kai Kennedy and Josh McPake. The duo are currently out on loan at Falkirk and Queen's Park but are wanted elsewhere on permanent deals.
Reports south of the border claim Rangers have had a loan bid turned down for Man City's Cole Palmer.
The window slams shut at midnight tonight and it could be set to be a long day at the office for Beale and Co.
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