Barry Ferguson has delivered his verdict on Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin ahead of the summer transfer window.

The former Gers manager has reacted to the news that Raskin could be handed a lucrative new contract at Ibrox.

His current deal runs out at the end of the 2027/28 season, but Rangers want to keep him at the club beyond that and are willing to offer him a bumper pay hike as well.

Barry Ferguson believes Rangers are acting quickly to avoid losing Nico Raskin

Reacting to the contractual development, Ferguson believes that the Light Blues are protecting an asset ahead of the summer transfer window.

Raskin has been among the first names on the team sheet since his move to Glasgow, and his performances also earned him his debut Belgium call-up.

The 24-year-old is now expected to be in the squad for the World Cup later this year, and he surely will attribute that to his success at the club level.

Ferguson is certain that a number of clubs will be keen on signing Raskin in the summer, and the Gers are acting in order to protect any uncertainty over his future.

Tying him down to a new deal would ensure that he does not leave in the coming months, and in case he has a change of heart, Rangers can demand a huge transfer fee for his services.

He told Go Radio: “Maybe they’re just protecting their asset because I’m sure there’ll be clubs looking at Nico, he’s a Belgium international. It’ll be interesting to see if this is true, but I do believe there will be interest in the summer in Nico.”

Will Raskin sign a contract extension at Ibrox?

All the signs point towards Raskin being happy and content with how things are panning out at Ibrox.

However, that does not necessarily mean that he would not consider leaving if a big European club comes knocking.

But, as things stand, if he is going to be made one of the top earners at the club, there is no reason why he would turn down the opportunity to extend his contract.

He knows that every player has their price, and if any team is willing to match the Gers’ valuation, he would still be allowed to leave.

What his signing a deal does is put an end to any reports linking him with a summer exit, and gives Danny Rohl and co. the certainty to plan ahead.