There has been a clear breakdown in the relationship between Rangers head coach Russell Martin and Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin in recent days.
The midfielder’s father, Thierry Raskin, made some scathing comments on the former Southampton boss on his social media accounts after the club’s 6-0 loss away to Club Brugge on Wednesday night, seeing the Gers crash out of the UEFA Champions League with a whimper.
Raskin was then dropped to the bomb squad for training the following day after a team meeting, relegated to training with the likes of Clinton Nsiala and Leon King, both surplus to requirements at Ibrox.
Martin then commented on the situation prior to today’s 0-0 home draw with Celtic in the first Old Firm derby of the season, a fourth consecutive league draw for the Ibrox club which sees them trail their rivals by six points at the end of August, despite remaining unbeaten.
Prior to the match Martin said to BBC SportsSound: “It's not about me or Nico. It's not a personal thing at all. All my energy is on the team.
On Sky Sports, he added: "Every decision I make is not about me, is not about individual players because no one is bigger than the football club.
"Every decision we make, and I make as a head coach is for what I deem to be the best for the team on that given day.
"I have picked a squad today that will always put the team first, will be capable of winning this game and be together on the pitch.
"Outside of that, all my energy is focused on them."
Not a glowing report for the Belgian international’s Ibrox future. The former Gent and Standard Liège man has been linked with English Premier League sides Crystal Palace and relegation favourites Wolverhampton Wanderers in recent days, with both sides considering permanent moves for the tenacious box-to-box player.
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However, a new frontrunner has emerged in recent hours for his signature. 20-times English champions Manchester Untied look set for a last minute swoop for Raskin, as Rubin Amorim looks to add to his side following a shock cup exit to Grimsby Town amid severe pressure on his job.
United are looking to add to their options in the middle of the park and have narrowed their shortlist to two, Raskin and former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, now at Spanish La Liga side Atlético Madrid.
The England international is their top target, but due to FFP regulations United may swoop for Raskin as an alternative.
United look set to make a loan offer for the bombed out Belgian, with an obligation to buy next summer.
Raskin has been vocal on his desire to play in England’s top tier previously. In 2023 he said to Belgian radio station RTBF: ““One day I want to play in the Premier League, but I don't put pressure on myself.
“I have a plan in my head; Rangers is just a stage in it. Rangers was the best choice at that time to realize my plan."
However he mentioned a preference for a move to United’s rivals Cheslea, a side he would be in direct competition with should he join the Red Devils.
With just over 24 hours left of the window, Raskin and his representatives must secure a move fast, or make amends with Martin ahead of a crucial run of games for the Gers post international break which sees them take on the East Coast trio of Hearts, Hibs and Livingston in a run of must win ties to attempt to ignite their faltering season.