Derek McInnes to block Rangers from selling star men
Derek McInnes will block moves for star players including Thelo Aasgaard amid plans to keep a strong squad, sources have told Football Insider.
The newly-appointed boss is aiming for a strong first season at Ibrox, coming off the back of a disappointing third-place finish behind Celtic and Hearts.
Rangers have enjoyed a strong start to the window, having already completed five first-team signings, and are keen to keep their best players alongside them.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Aasgaard is attracting interest from a number of clubs but is now unlikely to leave Rangers.
The midfielder is one of a number of first-team stars being linked with a move away from Ibrox, but there are no plans for the club to let him go.
Winning the Scottish Premiership title is the primary aim for McInnes, having come so close in charge of Hearts last season, as Rangers look to get back to the top.
What are Derek McInnes' transfer plans at Rangers?
Football Insider revealed on 22 June that McInnes is keen to overhaul his Rangers squad with a number of new additions and has already laid the groundwork for new deals.
Having taken over a side which struggled to impress before falling apart at the end of the season, a number of key additions were immediatey targeted by the boss.
He will also make efforts to keep his best players at Ibrox and build around them, with key players including Aasgaard now considered likely to stay.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Aasgaard will be keen to sort of prove a point at Ibrox this year under Derek McInnes.
"Rangers won't be pushing him out the exit door right now as well, he's under contract there until 2029, and Rangers aren't under any pressure to sell Thelo Aasgaard as well.
"Ideally Derek McInnes would like to keep him around as they look to build a capable of winning the title this year. And obviously they've been very proactive in the market so far.
"He wants to keep hold of his best players to amke sure they have the best chance at a strong season."
Could Thelo Aasgaard be allowed to leave Rangers?
Alongside McInnes' preparation to improve his squad and challenge for the Scottish Premiership title, questions have been asked about the futures of some of his players.
Aasgaard has been subject to plenty of speculation, with Serie A outfit Atalanta among those keeping tabs on him with a potential move in mind.
However, Football Insider revealed on 3 July that Aagaard has no plans to leave Rangers and instead hopes to impress McInnes when he returns to Ibrox for pre-season.
The midfielder endured a frustrating first season at Ibrox, but after a year of experience in the Scottish Premiership, is determined to make something of his Rangers career.
As a result, his focus is set firmly on remaining at Rangers, despite speculation about interest from elsewhere ahead of what they hope to be a strong season.