Glasgow, 07.11.2018, Ibrox Stadion, Fussball, Scottish Premiership, Glasgow Rangers Imago Images
Rangers have been presented with a potential solution to Nico Raskin’s uncertain future at the club, involving Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson.
Veteran manager Ian McCall has floated the idea of a swap deal that would see Raskin head to Italy while Ferguson makes the move to Glasgow.
Raskin, currently representing Belgium at the World Cup, refused to rule out leaving Rangers when asked about his future under new manager Derek McInnes.
The 25-year-old Belgian midfielder still has two years remaining on his Ibrox contract, giving Rangers leverage to maximise any potential transfer fee this summer.
Raskin had previously been linked with a move to Atalanta, but McCall believes a different Italian club could end up being his destination.
Speaking to BBC Sportsound, McCall said: “I am tipped a deal done – and this is not inside information – I am tipping a deal done for a swap with Raskin and Ferguson, and there will be a bit of money involved.”
McCall was clear about the direction he sees the deal heading, adding: “I think Raskin will go to Bologna and Ferguson will go to Rangers. It’s a total hunch.”
When pressed on which club should be paying the additional transfer fee, McCall was firm in his assessment of Raskin’s market value.
“I think Raskin is worth more than Ferguson. I think Raskin is potentially top notch,” McCall said, suggesting Bologna would need to contribute financially to make the deal work.
Ferguson, who is 26 years old, has been impressing at the World Cup as part of Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad this summer.
The midfielder previously worked under McInnes during his time at Aberdeen, which could smooth any potential move to Rangers considerably.
Ferguson had been linked with a contract extension at Bologna, but those reports quietened following the departure of coach Vincenzo Italiano, who joined Besiktas.
Rangers have been prioritising players with SPFL experience this summer, a strategy that already led to the signing of Lawrence Shankland from Hearts.
A swap deal of this nature would simultaneously address Raskin’s uncertain future and bring a familiar face to McInnes as the new Rangers boss begins reshaping his squad.
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