Rangers-linked star plays down Ibrox summer transfer talks as move not 'really that close' despite rumours

Rangers transfer target Lewis Ferguson has put to bed rumours that a move was in the offing from Bologna in the summer, claiming that it wasn’t even that ‘close’.

The 27-year old midfielder has made no secret that he grew up a Rangers fan and that one day would like to follow in the footsteps of his father Derek and uncle Barry to wear the royal blue jersey. However, for the time being he’s happy in Italy.

While there were murmurings of a potential Ibrox in the summer, it was perhaps his old man that made it sound as if Rangers were close to securing a deal. However, now the Scotland international claims it was all just rumours. He spoke to media on international duty ahead of their home UEFA Nations League fixture against Switzerland tomorrow night.

Rangers transfer not even ‘close’ - Ferguson

The former Aberdeen man said: "I had a long think after the World Cup and a bit of time on holiday where I thought about my future. I was a little bit unsure but nothing was ever really that close (with Rangers) to be honest. When I went back to pre-season with Bologna, we had a new manager and it was like a fresh start again, although we have since changed (the manager) again.

"I had a long think about my future and what that was going to look like and in the end it was still at Bologna. I've loved every moment that I have had there so it was just about continuing that journey and seeing where it takes me. I think one day (he will play for Rangers).

“It's no secret that I grew up a fan and my family is involved in the club. It was a dream and an aspiration of mine as a kid and that's not changed. But I don't want to speak about that while I am still a player at Bologna as I have got too much respect for them. But in the future you never know. It might happen or might not but it's always been something in my mind."

What were Derek Ferguson’s original comments on a potential transfer?

Speaking on Open Goal, his father claimed Ferguson remains a strong admirer of new Rangers boss Derek McInnes, who he worked under at Pittodrie and that a deal was agreed between the clubs. Following the closure of the window earlier this month, he said: “The thing with Lewis was, he agreed everything (to join Rangers). I've said that it was time for Lewis to change. he's been there for four years at Bologna and it's time for a new challenge.

"I had a sit down with him and said to him 'it's a hell of a challenge that (going to Rangers) but it's your career and what you feel is right'. So most things were agreed. But there was never a bid put in. They had agreed a lot of stuff behind the scenes with Lewis. He was up for it, which it was I am basically trying to say. He was up for going to play under Derek McInnes. He loves Del and has a lot of respect for him. He was prepared (to go) which I was surprised at. I said 'do you not want to give it a wee bit more thought?' but he said no, I'm up for this, I'll take that challenge on."

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