Nicolas Raskin's Rangers future remains unresolved, with the Belgian midfielder potentially facing a loan move with an option to buy if he is to leave Ibrox this summer.
The 25-year-old impressed at the World Cup and has been expected to depart Rangers with two years remaining on his contract.
However, despite reported interest from several clubs, no formal offer has arrived at Ibrox for Raskin.
Sources indicate that clubs have been reluctant to make a straight permanent commitment for the midfielder, who has had fallouts with managers at both Standard Liege and during his time at Ibrox, with a loan deal containing an option to buy potentially providing the most realistic route out of Rangers.
The situation has become increasingly fluid with transfer deadlines approaching across Europe, although Derek McInnes has now made clear that Raskin could remain at Rangers if a suitable proposal does not materialise.
McInnes gives fresh Raskin update
Speaking after Rangers' victory at Pittodrie, McInnes was asked about the possibility of movement before the transfer window closes.
The Rangers boss had previously acknowledged “plenty of interest” in Raskin, with that interest increasing in the days before the club's Conference League play-off against Jablonec, but there has still been no bid.
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.”
Rangers running out of options
The Netherlands remains open until tomorrow, September 2, while the Turkish window closes later this week. Saudi Arabia provides a longer-term alternative, with its window remaining open until October 12.
That leaves Rangers with a narrowing pool of potential destinations should Raskin leave before the European market shuts.
A loan with an option to buy could therefore be the compromise if a club remains interested but is unwilling to make a permanent commitment.
'He's such a good boy'
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, McInnes was unequivocal in his assessment of Raskin's attitude since returning from the World Cup.
The Rangers boss insisted the midfielder has continued to train brilliantly and suggested he would have no concerns about working with him if he remains at Ibrox.
“He's such a good boy and yes, he is getting interest because he's a good player,” McInnes said.
“A lot of these are hypotheticals. If something comes in that the club needs to consider, then that has an impact.
“He's a good player; I want to work with good players, we just need to see how that develops.”
Raskin was not included in Rangers' squad for the victory at Aberdeen, adding further intrigue to his situation after he also missed the away defeat in Czechia which ended the Gers’ European campaign for the season.
McInnes' latest comments, however, suggest that his absence should not be taken as confirmation of an imminent departure.
If no suitable bid arrives before the relevant deadlines, Raskin could yet remain at Ibrox and continue to play a role under McInnes.
Add us as a preferred source on Google