'Aston Villa will make Nico Raskin transfer decision' as £25m claim issued

Aston Villa will be forced to reinvent themselves again this summer after missing out on Champions League qualification.

The Midlands club are expected to sell big players in order to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) - meaning the likes of Youri Tielemans or Morgan Rogers could depart.

Rangers and Belgium star midfielder Nico Raskin is widely reported to be on the radar at Villa Park.

The Ibrox star, 24, notched five goals and 11 assists last season and is under contract until 2027.

Aston Villa’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Villa Park between 2016 and 2018 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has had his say on his old side making a move for Raskin.

Aston Villa to decline £25m Raskin move, says Wyness

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted Raskin would not be a better fit for Aston Villa but could move lower down the Premier League table.

The Midlands giants will play Europa League football in the 2025-26 campaign after their sixth-place finish last term.

Wyness insisted Rangers should hold out for £25million for Raskin - a new club-record sale.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: "I would hope this is where investment would come from the 49ers to keep players like Raskin rather than having to sell them completely.

"I think it'll be up to Thelwell and Purdy to find some gems. I think they can do it. And I'm really positive about where Rangers are going to go for next season.

"However, I don't want to see Raskin going that quickly unless it's for £25million.

"I don't necessarily think he's an Aston Villa type player. I don't necessarily think he's proven Premier League quality.

"He may go lower down the table in England, but unless it was something like a bid of £25million, I think Rangers are best advised to keep him.” 

Martinez makes up his mind on Atletico Madrid move

Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (19 June) that Emiliano Martinez has his “heart set” on joining Atletico Madrid this summer.

Atletico and Man United have both registered their interest in signing the Aston Villa star following increased speculation around his future. 

The Argentina international, 32, has revealed to friends his preference is to join the Spanish club in the coming weeks.

For more Aston Villa and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.