Rangers are reportedly eyeing a deal for Standard Liege midfielder, Nicolas Raskin, with the Belgian starlet appearing destined for a departure from his current side next month.
What's the word?
According to Voetbal Nieuws, the Old Firm outfit are seemingly one of the 'potential buyers' for the 21-year-old in the January transfer window, with the playmaker looking set to be moved on having failed to agree terms regarding a contract extension.
The 5 foot 10 gem - whose existing deal is set to expire at the end of the season - is said to favour a move to the Premier League, albeit with Leeds United believed to be the only side to have shown an interest.
Gers sporting director Ross Wilson may well be hoping that the Ibrox side's previous interest in the player can count for something, with reports over the summer suggesting that the Glasgow giants were eyeing a move.
He's Kroos-esque
The Belgium U21 international has attracted such interest as a result of his standout displays in his homeland in recent times, having notably provided five goal contributions in 17 Pro League outings this season from his deep-lying midfield role.
Despite his youth, the classy ace has already racked up 96 appearances in all competitions to date for his current side, having been lauded for his talents by journalist Bob Faesan, who stated back in 2020:
"He is a box-to-box midfielder. He can play in every position in the middle of the park. He is technically gifted, but he is also a bit of a pitbull. He can run a lot, is powerful and has a good shot."
That glowing assessment also comes amid comparisons made between Raskin and Real Madrid star Toni Kroos - as per talent scout Jacek Kulig - with the pair no doubt alike as a result of their creative, ball-playing quality in the centre of the park.
That likeness is evidenced by the fact that the two men can both spark attacks from their midfield berths, with the Liege sensation having created four big chances in the league this season, while Kroos has created five big chances for Los Blancos in La Liga this term.
The latter man is a truly impressive figure to be compared to due to the glittering career he has enjoyed at the elite level, with the former Bayern Munich ace having racked up over 600 club appearances across his spells in Germany and Spain, while also claiming five Champions League triumphs to date.
The 32-year-old pass master - who ranks in the top 1% in Europe among those in his position for progressive passes - is widely recognised as one of the best in his position, with former Madrid boss and football icon Zinedine Zidane having previously stated:
"He will be remembered as a spectacular player, one of the all-time greats in his position."
To think that Rangers could be able to land a Kroos-esque asset in the form of contract rebel Raskin is a truly mouthwatering prospect for manager Michael Beale and the aforementioned Wilson, with the race now on to see if the Light Blues can win the race for his signature.