Exclusive: Rangers ‘encouraged’ by Luton in bid to sign Thelo Aasgaard
Luton Town have given Rangers “encouragement” that they could complete a deal for midfielder Thelo Aasgaard in the summer transfer window.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about Rangers’ efforts to sign the 23-year-old Denmark international.
Following Luton’s relegation from the Championship, they are expected to cash in on a number of players in an attempt to balance the books.
However, having signed Aasgaard for £3.6million in the January transfer window, the Hatters are expected to hold out for a similar fee to let him leave this summer.
Football Insider revealed in June that Rangers will make big transfer funds available for Russell Martin to land key players, with a new midfielder on their list of targets.
Sources say Luton’s asking price could make the deal difficult for Rangers, although they will be hoping to capitalise on their financial situation to negotiate a lower fee.
Rangers eye Thelo Aasgaard deal after Luton latest
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 27 June that Rangers are planning to sign young talents this summer to refresh their squad.
Aasgaard is also believed to be keen on a move to Glasgow as Rangers’ participation in the Europa League would allow him to play at a higher level than League One.
O’Rourke has explained that while the move is an ambitious one, Martin’s side are hopeful of getting a deal over the line, although the asking price may prove problematic.
“It’s an interesting link, this one with Thelo Aasgaard,” he told Football Insider.
“I don’t think many people expected him to be on Rangers’ watchlist.
“Luton paid decent money for him in the January transfer window, the fee was over £3million and they hoped he would be the man to help keep them in the Championship.
“Obviously, he wasn’t able to do that and with Luton suffering relegation down to League One, they’re going to find it hard to keep hold of their best players.
“Aasgaard would like to make the move to play at a higher level than League One, that’s why he left Wigan to join Luton in the first place.
“I do think the fee could be problematic for Rangers, Luton won’t be looking to lose him on the cheap.
“They’ll be looking to get more than the £3.6million they spent on him in January.
“He could be a bit pricey for Rangers, but Luton in their current situation are looking to offload some players, they’re looking to balance the books.
“Rangers are looking to capitalise on that, hoping they might be able to sign him on the cheap. So, from what I’m told, there is some encouragement there.”
Russell Martin sets sights on agreeing Jamie Vardy deal
Aasgaard is not the only player Martin’s side have considered bringing over to Scotland from England, as Jamie Vardy is also on their radar.
Brown told Football Insider on 30 June that Rangers have set their sights on signing Vardy on a free transfer following his departure from Leicester City.
Vardy is keen to remain playing at the top level amid interest from Premier League clubs, but the chance to play European football is believed to be a draw.
This comes amid speculation about the futures of Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane at Ibrox, with Martin keen to land a new number nine.
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