NafisaRangers’ search for another marquee midfield signing has taken another intriguing twist as Derek McInnes continues exploring ways to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes.
With the Ibrox club actively pursuing several highly-rated midfielders, one name continues to excite supporters more than any other.
Lewis Ferguson has long been viewed as the dream signing for Rangers, with the Scotland international’s family ties to Ibrox and impressive rise in Serie A making him an attractive target.
Recent reports have suggested Rangers have explored the possibility of bringing the Bologna captain back to Scotland, even with the Italian club determined to keep hold of one of their most influential players.
However, Bologna have now delivered their clearest response yet to the growing speculation.
Bologna send Rangers clear Lewis Ferguson message
Ferguson enjoyed another impressive campaign in Italy after overcoming the serious knee injury that interrupted his progress, helping Bologna continue competing at the highest level following their historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League and Coppa Italia success.
His performances have reportedly attracted fresh interest from Rangers, with suggestions that the Ibrox club have explored an ambitious deal that could include cash as well as midfielder Connor Barron.
Despite the speculation, Bologna assistant manager Andrea Tarozzi has made it abundantly clear just how highly the Scottish midfielder is valued at the club.
Speaking during Bologna’s pre-season preparations, Tarozzi insisted Ferguson remains one of the team’s most important players.
“This is more of a question for the coach, but I can tell you that Ferguson is a very important player for us.
“I can write that in capital letters. He’s a fundamental element.
“We know his importance to Bologna after what he’s done in recent years. I’m sure the coach will find the best position for him to showcase his qualities.”
The comments represent a significant setback for Rangers’ hopes of landing the former Aberdeen captain this summer, with Bologna showing little indication they are prepared to negotiate his departure.
McInnes continues midfield rebuild
Although Ferguson remains a player admired by Rangers, Derek McInnes is continuing to assess several alternative midfield targets as he reshapes his squad.
Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl remains firmly on Rangers’ shortlist, while highly-rated Vanja Dragojevic is also edging closer to completing a move to Ibrox after reports claimed an agreement has been reached with Partizan Belgrade.
Any further midfield arrivals could also depend on departures before the transfer window closes.
Belgium international Nicolas Raskin enhanced his reputation with impressive displays at the World Cup and continues to attract attention from clubs across Europe, while Connor Barron has also been linked with interest from Bologna in recent weeks.
For now, though, Bologna’s message could hardly have been clearer.
Despite Ferguson’s strong family connections to Rangers through father Derek and uncle Barry, the Serie A side view their captain as a cornerstone of their project and appear determined to keep him at the club.
Whether Rangers return with an improved proposal later in the window remains to be seen, but Bologna’s latest stance suggests McInnes faces an enormous challenge if he hopes to bring one of Scotland’s finest midfielders to Ibrox this summer.
Nafisa
