Nico Raskin remains a Rangers player after a transfer saga which changed direction several times during a frantic end to the window.

Besiktas pushed to take the Belgian midfielder to Turkey and, for a period on Wednesday, a move appeared possible. Reports of a verbal agreement were followed by claims that the final decision rested with Raskin.

The picture soon changed.

Rangers rejected an opening proposal which involved a loan and an option to buy, with that structure offering little certainty over a permanent fee.

A second offer for a permanent transfer then arrived, but that was also turned down because it did not meet the Ibrox club’s valuation.

Raskin is contracted until 2028, leaving Rangers under no immediate pressure to accept a discounted deal.'

The clearest sign that Derek McInnes still viewed him as part of his plans came at Falkirk.

Raskin started Wednesday’s 2-1 victory despite the uncertainty surrounding him and helped Rangers collect a second successive league win.

McInnes said after the game that he had always wanted to use Raskin and felt his experience was required in a young squad. He also explained that the proposed move did not suit either the club or the player.

The Rangers manager addressed the midfielder again during his press conference before Saturday’s meeting with Motherwell, saying that Raskin’s experience in the middle of the pitch could help the team through the challenges ahead.

McInnes also demanded that every player train properly and make full use of any minutes they receive now that the window has closed.

His message suggested Raskin will be given a genuine chance to regain a regular place.

Why Rangers refused to green-light Nicolas Raskin move to Besiktas

However, Turkish reporter Ali Ece has now offered another explanation for why the talks with Besiktas collapsed.

Speaking on A BILA, Ece claimed Rangers’ failed attempt to bring Vaclav Cerny back to Glasgow became connected to Raskin’s proposed departure.

Cerny remains hugely popular at Ibrox following his productive loan spell during the 24/25 season. The Czech winger scored 18 goals in 52 Rangers appearances before returning to Wolfsburg and later joining Besiktas permanently.

A return this summer would have added proven quality on the right, but Rangers ultimately strengthened their attacking options by signing Badredine Bouanani on loan from Stuttgart.

Ece’s account has not been confirmed by either club, while other reports have suggested the two negotiations were formally separate.

Even so, the timing ensured that Raskin and Cerny were repeatedly discussed together.

For now, McInnes has an experienced midfielder available and Raskin has the opportunity to put a chaotic week behind him.

Unless Besiktas make one final dramatic breakthrough, the transfer conversation is likely to be delayed until January.