It has taken into early afternoon, but the deadline day action at Rangers Auchenhowie training centre is finally underway.
An expected busy final period of the transfer window has been stepped up with the arrival of Nicolas Raskin, as captured by Sky Sports News.
The voiceover from the SSN presenter was “It’s happening” in regard to the 21-year old but it will also signal more to come in the following hours.
When the Belgian is confirmed as Michael Beale’s second signing, it will herald a major and significant acquisition in order for this present Rangers team to make the next step forward. A few first team starters are required to truly deliver the refresh to reach the next level, but the need for a quality operator with a particular skill set in midfield has been glaringly obvious.
Raskin is the player earmarked for that purpose, to provide something different in terms of linking the play and providing a source of dynamism as well as energy that is sorely lacking.
With the move eagerly anticipated, Michael Beale complimented the Belgian U21 international yesterday, with a word of caution that a deal wasn’t yet done – which should be a formality by now:
“I think there is a lot of competition for his signature in Europe. He’s an eye-catching one because of his age and his contract is running down. He’s a player that’s very well thought of in the Belgian national team set-up as well.”
“Look, I can’t confirm anything but we’re closer. It’s not guaranteed right this second.”
There has been some suggestion of potential further arrivals at Ibrox today with interest from the manager toward other players but it would come as a surprise at this late stage. What is much more probable is that there will be a couple of loan exits for those on the fringes of the first team picture.