Thelo Aasgaard makes Rangers transfer decision after World Cup display sparks new interest

Thelo Aasgaard has no plans to leave Rangers this summer despite growing interest following his performances at the World Cup.

The 24-year-old scored against France in his only appearance for Norway at the tournament so far, but has sparked interest from multiple clubs, notably Serie A outfit Atalanta.

However, one year after his arrival at Ibrox from Luton Town, it is currently unlikely that he will pursue a move away regardless of any offers tabled.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Aasgaard is hoping to impress Derek McInnes in pre-season to establish himself in the starting XI.

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 his return for pre-season.

Could Thelo Aasgaard leave Rangers this summer?

Football Insider revealed in May that Aasgaard is unlikely to leave Rangers this summer, despite suggestions the club could be tempted to cut their losses on his exit.

Having struggled since his big-money move from Luton last summer, there had been suggestions that Rangers could be open to offers in a bid to raise funds.

However, the midfielder is determined to prove doubters wrong, and hopes to impress his new manager when he returns for pre-season training at Ibrox.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "He had a bit of an inconsistent first season up at Rangers, there's no getting away from that.

"There were a lot of managerial changes at Rangers last year with Russell Martin leaving early on and Danny Rohl coming in, and he has now left the club as well.

"Thelo Aasgaard is keen to prove a point at Ibrox under Derek McInnes, he's got a full season under his belt at Ibrox and he knows what Rangers is all about now.

"He'll want to return for pre-season under a new manager and hopes to impress and prove he is deserving of a place in the starting XI.

"He scored for Norway against France at the World Cup recently, which is going to attract interest from elsewhere, but I don't think he's considering leaving Rangers as things stand."

What does Aasgaard's future mean for Nicolas Raskin?

Question marks about Aasgaard's future have come alongside similar suggestions about Nicolas Raskin, who continues to be linked with a move away from Scotland.

Atalanta, who have been interested in signing Aasgaard, have also been tipped to pursue his teammate and have been keeping a close eye on his progress.

Meanwhile, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Hull City are stepping up thier pursuit of Raskin after seeing an opening offer rejected.

There is a growing feeling the Belgium international could finally leave Rangers should an acceptable offer arrive this summer, having been constantly linked with an exit.

Any move for Raskin is likely to impact Aasgaard's future as well, with Rangers determined not to lose too many players from their squad.