The Light Blues are in the midst of a hectic January window with their eyes on the Premiership title
13:53, 20 Jan 2026Updated 19:50, 20 Jan 2026
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In-demand Nicolas Raskin has reportedly turned down a Rangers exit this month after an approach by Besiktas.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed an upturn in form at Ibrox under Danny Rohl after a stormy relationship with Russell Martin saw his future at the Glasgow giants plunged into doubt. But after briefly freezing out the Belgian international during his ill-fated tenure, he has been an ever-present under Rohl.
Reports in Turkey suggest that the Istanbul club “contacted” Raskin and his representatives over the prospect of a move to Turkey this month. However, Fotospor report that Besiktas were told that the midfielder wants to play in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Raskin has “no interest” in leaving Rangers for Turkey and would only consider a move to the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A or Ligue 1 if he is to depart this month. A contingency plan could rapidly be taking shape should the key man depart – with Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil among the Light Blues targets.
After captaining The Black Cats to promotion last season, the the 24-year-old has made just four appearances this term. A host of clubs are said to be on alert this month with Neil’s contract set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Boss Regis Le Bris has once again reiterated that the club will not stand in the player’s way if he wishes to depart. He told Evening Chronicle: “The conversation is open for every player who lacks minutes. That’s always the case. It depends on the situation.”
(Image: Getty)
The squad could be trimmed with the likes of Joe Rothwell, Rabbi Matondo and Danilo could be shown the door before the end of the month – with fringe man Lyall Cameron already sent out to Aberdeen on loan.
Findlay Curtis is set to follow Cameron’s temporary exit and reunite with Neil McCann at Kilmarnock.
The wide man has seen his share of first-team football this season but his minutes have been reduced recently and he failed to make the squad for the double-header with Aberdeen.
It had been reported he was one of the players Rangers were prepared to send out on loan and now it’s understood he’s set to join Killie, where his former coach at Ibrox McCann is now in charge.
McCann was part of the Barry Ferguson regime that allowed Curtis a major breakthrough towards the end of last season and he’ll now get the chance to rediscover some of that form in Ayrshire.
Kieran Dowell also remains on Hull City’s radar this month, according to reports south of the border.
The 28-year-old has made just one appearance under Rohl – scoring in the 5-0 Scottish Cup win over Annan last weekend.
Hull Live report that the Tigers “remain keen” on Dowell and see him as a key reinforcement before the February 2 deadline.