Major Nicolas Raskin Rangers transfer development as one glaring omission from team to play Falkirk

Nicolas Raskin is in the Rangers squad for tonight’s Premiership match against Falkirk despite fierce speculation over the Belgian’s future.

Raskin had been expected to leave Rangers this summer after an impressive World Cup with Belgium and was left out of the club’s past two matches as interest increased in the 24-year-old.

It emerged earlier today that Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas had made a loan proposal to Rangers for the season with a sizeable fee. However, Ibrox chiefs’ preference was a permanent team and the Istanbul-based club’s offer was turfed out.

Nicolas Raskin, pictured at the Falkirk Stadium, starts for Rangers tonight. | SNS Group

With the majority of Europe’s transfer windows having closed last night, Raskin’s options for a move became increasingly limited and it now appears that he will remain at Rangers until the start of next year at the earliest.

Raskin was named by manager Derek McInnes from the start for tonight’s clash with Falkirk, partnering Cammy Devlin at the heart of a 4-2-3-1 formation.

However, there was no place for Norwegian midfielder Thelo Aasgaard, who is subject of a late bid from Belgian side Anderlecht.

Aasgaard has fallen down the pecking order under McInnes and Anderlecht are keen to get the deal done ahead of today’s 11pm European squad deadline.

Rangers are still expected to complete a deal for Portland Timbers striker Kevin Kelsy, with £9 million set to be spent on the Venezuelan hitman.