Derek McInnes 'couldn't believe' Nicolas Raskin's reaction as late Rangers transfer collapsed
Derek McInnes has been wowed by Nicolas Raskin's reaction to the late transfer drama at Rangers, sources have told Football Insider.
The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from Ibrox during the summer transfer window, and right up until the Turkish window closed on 4 September.
Besiktas increased their efforts to land the Belgium international, and some reports claimed a deal was agreed with Rangers, but the player has remained in Glasgow.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, McInnes has been impressed by Raskin's attitude towards the entire transfer saga.
While other players have kicked up a fuss in the past to force through a move, Raskin has kept his head down, worked hard in training, and remains a key part of the XI.
McInnes has also selected the midfielder to captain his side on multiple occasions this season in a show of faith in his abilities and a testament to his character.
How did Rangers keep hold of Nicolas Raskin?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in July that Rangers' only chance of keeping Raskin is if they price him out of a move away.
The club's decision to reject a late £10.3million offer from Besiktas saw them stick to their lofty valuation, while the player's stance also gave them a boost in their efforts.
Raskin is now content to remain at Rangers, at least until the next transfer window opens, and is committed to helping McInnes' side progress in the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Many people expected Raskin to leave before the end of the transfer window.
"He was obviously in the team for Rangers against Falkirk in midweek as well when there was all of that speculation surrounding his future, so that I think was a bit of a sign.
"He was even given the captain's armband in the closing stages of that game, so that shows how much faith Rangers have in him and how well he has handeld the situation.
"Derek McInnes has been very impressed by Raskin's attitude despite all the speculation over his future as well, he's got his head down and kept on playing for Rangers.
"So there was always optimism that Nicolas Raskin would still be a Rangers player when the transfer window closed, and that now is the case."
Could Raskin leave Rangers in the January transfer window?
Speculation about Raskin's future is unlikely to die down this season if he continues to perform at a high level both for Rangers and for Belgium in the coming weeks.
The midfielder's performances at the World Cup sparked high-profile interest, and while Besiktas were the main contenders, he has a number of other suitors.
Football Insider revealed on 4 September that Raskin was set to stay at Ibrox beyond the end of the Turkish transfer window, with no plans to let him move on.
However, should Besiktas or any of his other suitors emerge with new offers when the January transfer window opens, Rangers may be forced to consider them.
Raskin will have one year remaining on his contract next summer, and should he still be a Rangers player come that time, they will likely have no choice but to sell.