Rangers plan to slash Nicolas Raskin asking price as exit nears - 'They have no choice'

Rangers are set to cut their asking price for Nicolas Raskin as they aim to drum up interest in the closing stages of the window.

The 25-year-old has been widely expected to leave Ibrox this summer, with many surprised that he has not yet found a new club following his displays at the World Cup.

Derek McInnes has showed a lot of faith in the midfielder, who captained the side during the 5-1 win against St Mirren, but he may be forced to part ways with him in the near future.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Rangers have no choice but to sell Raskin this summer if they want to maximise the transfer fee.

Rangers' finances and spending capabilties could be impacted by player sales, especially after their Europa League failings, and the Belgium midfielder is their prized asset.

A number of clubs across Europe have been keeping a close eye on his situation, and could be tempted to make a move if they believe it can be done for a reasonable fee.

What is Rangers' asking price for Nicolas Raskin?

Football Insider revealed in July that Rangers have pushed Raskin's asking price up towards the £25million mark, and are hoping to attract a huge offer in the near future.

That asking price has put clubs off of making a move, but his contract will have just one year remaining come next summer, when they will be unable to command a high fee.

As a result, there is a feeling that they could reduce his price tag in the closing stages of the transfer window to inspire interest, rather than risking it dropping further next year.

"It's difficult for Rangers at the moment with Raskin's situation," Brown told Football Insider.

"Obviously, in an ideal world, they would like to keep him because he is one of the better players in that side and makes them a better team when he is available.

"But given the position they're in, the opportunity to sell a player for a huge fee is something they can't really afford to miss out on.

"At the moment, clubs seem to be being put off by his asking price, because there is interest but none have been ready to come forward and meet that price.

"The problem Rangers have is, he doesn't have long left on his contract, and next year they will struggle to get anywhere near the same fee.

"If they want to get the highest amount of money possible, they have got no choice but to sell him this summer, especially coming off the back of an impressive World Cup.

"So it would make sense in the closing stages of the transfer window, if they were prepared to drop their asking price a bit, so that they don't end up losing him on the cheap next year.

"I think they'd hoped they would get a big fee for him, and they still might, but they may have to make a compromise after weighing up the pros and cons of keeping hold of him."

Which clubs are interested in signing Raskin?

Speculation surrounding Raskin's long-term future at Ibrox has been ongoing since the window opened, with a number of clubs interested in doing a deal.

European clubs including the likes of Porto, Fenerbahce and Atalanta have been linked, while a host of Premier League clubs have been keeping an eye on his situation.

Brown previously told Football Insider that Hull City are confident of doing a deal for Raskin and have stepped up their interest after seeing an initial offer turned down.

The Tigers believe that they can pull off a deal ahead of their rivals, with the likes of Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Tottenham having also been linked.

Their deal to sign Jack Butland, and Ivor Pandur's move in the opposite direction, mean the clubs are already on good terms and talks could take place during negotiations.