Rangers are now underdogs in the race to sign Standard Liege midfielder Nicolas Raskin, according to reports in the Scottish media.

The Belgian has just six months left on his contract, and he has been frozen out after refusing to sign a new deal so a departure for a low fee during the January transfer window is almost certain.

While the Gers have been credited with an interest in Raskin previously, it is believed that the player’s likeliest destination is France, with Toulouse, Marseille, Nantes and Reims all keen on securing his services.

Toulouse are said to be the frontrunners, with their manager Philippe Montanier having worked with the 21-year-old when he was manager of Standard two years ago.

His current boss, former Celtic head coach Ronny Deila, was full of praise for Raskin a couple of months ago. After a 3-1 win over Anderlecht, he said:

“The whole team was good but Nicolas Raskin was the man of this game in my eyes. He was monstrous and I’m happy for him. We’re talking about a leader, a player who makes the game in front and behind.”

With Rangers having lost Steven Davis to a serious knee injury, recruiting someone like Raskin could have been a good solution, but it seems as if the player will be moving elsewhere next month.