The midfielder was expected to leave Ibrox last summer, with Turkish side Besiktas closest to landing him before the deadline.

He had also previously been suggested as a potential target for English clubs, with Hull City strongly linked with making a move.

His performances for Belgium at the World Cup were thought to have put him on the radar of more clubs.

Strachan feels the 25-year-old could play in the Premier League and while he is not quite at the standard of the biggest clubs down south, is ready-made for the rest of the teams in the division.

"I've always liked him," he said.

"He's a player, he can play. He's not at that top-six level in England or anything like that.

"That group underneath, he can go on to Everton, things like that, he could play there, no bother."