Rangers reach 'agreement' with Nicolas Raskin - 'It's going to happen'

Rangers will not stand in the way of midfielder Nicolas Raskin moving to join a new club next summer.

That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Gers know they have essentially "delayed the inevitable" with his departure.

The Belgian recently admitted that he had been mentally ready to leave Ibrox in the summer, but stayed put once again ahead of his contract expiring in 2028.

Wyness believes that Rangers will have spoken to Raskin "behind the scenes," and will be prepared to make sure that an exit is right for both parties next summer.

The Scottish businessman pointed to the "good feeling" that has developed in the squad after the recent back-to-back wins over Celtic.

Keeping Raskin happy will be crucial to maintaining that atmosphere for Derek McInnes, as his team look to push for the Scottish Premiership title.

Nicolas Raskin 'enjoying his football'

Aberdeen's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that Raskin is "enjoying his football" at Ibrox at the moment.

The former boardroom man feels that Rangers have positioned themselves well to keep hold of the 25-year-old for the entire campaign, given their promising start.

However, speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained that Rangers are likely to have agreed to let Raskin leave next summer.

"I think it's delaying the inevitable, and it's about keeping him happy and satisfied at the moment, getting him involved, making sure he's positive and that they come to an agreement about how he's going to leave," he said.

"It's got to be the way to keep a player like that because he can offer a lot, but a sulking Raskin is no value at all to the club, and it's also not an inspiration to the rest of the team around him. 

"The results they've had recently would tend to give them the chance to do that because he will be enjoying his football, there'll be a good feeling in the squad, and so they've got every chance to get that going.

"I'm sure behind the scenes they'll be making sure that the right offer for both parties is available and that they're not going to block the way. He will know that something is going to be happening to allow him to leave at the right time.

"But I think Rangers could get one last good season out of him and still get a decent price at the end of that, and that would be a great result for McInnes."

Rangers' chances of keeping Olwethu Makhanya in January revealed

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Rangers are confident that they will be able to keep key centre-back Olwethu Makhanya beyond the upcoming January window.

The 22-year-old joined the Gers for just £3million in the summer, and has already established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Sources say that Rangers remain "relaxed" about Makhanya's future, even with interest from Europe's top five leagues expected.

The defender has already proven to be a bargain for McInnes and Co., and he could potentially earn Rangers an eye-watering fee in future.