Michael Beale has confirmed Rangers are interested in Standard Liege midfielder Nicola Raskin.

The Ibrox outfit are one of a number of clubs expected to be in the hunt for Raskin's signature with the player out of contract in the summer.

Beale suggested he would not discuss transfer business at his press conference this afternoon but admitted interest in Raskin as well as offering updates on the pursuit of Todd Cantwell and Morgan Whittaker.

Quizzed on whether he'd discuss a move for Raskin, Beale said: "No, I won't budge either."

But he continued: "Another good player to be fair. A player I remember a lot from the time we played Standard Liege.

"He missed the first game against Rangers the night Kemar Roofe scored that amazing goal, but he played in the second leg and he's a player I'm aware of.

"Very good player that's obviously out of contract in the summer and is attracting a lot of attention.

"There is an interest from us but I am sure there is from a number of clubs. I like to compliment good players and he is certainly is one."

Initially refusing to discuss transfer dealings when asked on Cantwell, Beale said: "No comment on the transfers today because we have spoken a lot in the week. 

"As soon as anyone is signed and sealed you will be the first to know.

"I would say we are very close on one or two bits but I don't want to elaborate more than what I said the other day. We'll announce it when it's done."

Beale was also questioned on the reported bids for Morgan Whittaker with Swansea having knocked back bids from Ibrox.

The Rangers boss ruled out suggestions of a stand-off over the player but refused to further add to speculation after comments emerged from the Welsh club.

"Obviously we're doing the business in private - in South Wales, they've spoken out about it so we don't want to add to that," he said.

"The boy has gone back there after a loan, he could be in their squad this weekend, so if he is in their squad he is their player."

While Beale has been proactively looking to add to his squad this month, he is also conscious of the looming expiring contract of Ryan Kent.

However, he admitted talks over a new deal had been "parked" temporarily to ensure full focus was on results.

He said: "Ryan has been here a long time and he has had some really big moments like the team, and like the team, he has had some moments where he has had disappointment.

"I think it is important that I have come back in and the most focus the last few weeks has been playing the games and getting the results.

"We're finding it's a bit more of a break next week and then we're back into a three-game week next week. At this moment in time, I just want Ryan to focus on football.

"I don't want to put him under pressure or be speaking to his representatives about contracts and finances and where his head is at and where our head is at when we are in the middle of a three-game week when we have to win every single game. So you park some things, don't you until you get a break and that's what we have done.

"I think that has helped Ryan focus and I think he is playing really well, I think that the front three in particular; the numbers in the last seven or eight weeks have been pleasing but also their effort. I think their effort has been top."