Nicolas Raskin's Rangers future has taken a major twist after Besiktas reached a verbal agreement in principle with the Ibrox club for the midfielder.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Besiktas have reached an agreement with Rangers over a potential deal for the Belgium international, with talks now underway.
However, the transfer is not yet complete, with the deal dependent on Raskin's decision over whether to join the Turkish giants.
It remains unclear what structure the deal is, whether it is a straight sale, a loan-with-obligation or a controversial loan-with-option.
The development comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the midfielder's future, with Rangers having previously insisted that no suitable offer had arrived for the 25-year-old.
Besiktas agreement reached for Raskin
Besiktas have now moved ahead of the clubs previously linked with Raskin by reaching an agreement in principle with Rangers.
The Turkish club must still convince the player to make the switch, meaning there remains work to be done before the transfer can be considered complete.
They hold an advantage with most European transfer windows now shut and other club’s unable to incite a bidding war at this late stage.
Raskin has attracted interest from several clubs throughout the summer, with his future becoming increasingly uncertain following Rangers' recruitment in midfield.
However, the midfielder has continued to train and remain available to Derek McInnes while his future was resolved.
That could now change with Besiktas making a concrete move for his services.
McInnes previously revealed there was no bid
The latest development represents a significant change from McInnes' most recent comments on Raskin's future.
Speaking after Rangers' victory at Pittodrie, the Rangers boss was asked about the possibility of movement before the transfer window closed.
McInnes had previously acknowledged "plenty of interest" in Raskin, with that interest increasing in the days before Rangers' Conference League play-off against Jablonec.
Despite the speculation, Rangers had still not received an offer that the club needed to consider.
McInnes said: “Nico has been first class; I've said that on record. Since he's come back from the World Cup, he's been good as gold, trained brilliantly and with a lot of motivation.
“There has been a lot of chat with potential interest and a lot of conversation had with the club with prospective buyers.
“But until an offer comes in that the club needs to consider, then Nico just has to, like every other player, knuckle down and train.
“He's been brilliant, and I have no doubts if the window closes and Nico is still a Rangers player, then he will give brilliant service as he has previously.”
Those comments now provide an interesting backdrop to the Besiktas development.
The Turkish club have subsequently reached an agreement in principle with Rangers, meaning the situation has progressed from reported interest to an arrangement between the two clubs.
Raskin now has decision to make
The next stage rests with Raskin. Besiktas must now convince the midfielder to accept the move before the deal can be completed.
Raskin has been an important player for Rangers since joining from Standard Liege in January 2023 and has established himself as a regular in the Ibrox midfield.
He also represented Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, further raising his profile ahead of the current transfer window.
A move to Besiktas would bring his Rangers career to an end after more than three years at the club. However, until Raskin makes his decision and personal terms are agreed, the transfer remains incomplete.
Rangers will now wait to see whether Raskin accepts Besiktas' proposal.
McInnes had been prepared to welcome Raskin back into his squad if no suitable offer arrived, but Besiktas' agreement with the club has opened the door to a potential departure.
Raskin's decision will ultimately determine whether the agreement becomes a completed transfer.
After weeks of speculation and interest from a number of clubs, the Belgian midfielder now has a concrete opportunity to leave Ibrox. The ball is firmly in Raskin's court.
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