Rangers admiration for Lewis Ferguson has resurfaced once again, but fresh reports from Italy suggest any move for the Bologna captain remains some way off.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Bologna are not currently in talks over a new contract with the Scotland international despite previous reports to the contrary, leading to speculation that his future could become one of the stories of the summer transfer window.
However, despite recent links with a move to Ibrox, the report states Rangers have made no approach for Ferguson and there has been no contact from any other club at this stage.
Bologna relaxed over Ferguson situation
Ferguson remains under contract until 2028, leaving Bologna in a strong negotiating position.
The Serie A side are under no pressure to sell and would only consider parting with their captain if a significant offer arrived.
That stance is strengthened by separate reporting from Calcio Inter, which recently named Ferguson among three realistic midfield targets being assessed by Cristian Chivu's Inter Milan this summer.
Inter's recruitment strategy is understood to focus on midfielders capable of combining goals, technical quality and tactical intelligence. All qualities Ferguson has demonstrated since arriving in Italy from Aberdeen.
The 26-year-old scored 13 goals across his first two Serie A campaigns before suffering a serious knee ligament injury that has halted his progress in the second half of his spell at Bologna.
According to the report, the club would consider offers in the region of €15 million.
Rangers recruitment philosophy fits Ferguson
The valuation would not make Ferguson unattainable for Rangers under the club's new ownership, although it would represent one of the biggest investments in the club's history.
The current transfer record at Ibrox is still the £12 million outlay for Tore Andre Flo made in 2000.
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh recently outlined exactly the type of player Rangers are looking to recruit.
"But we don't yet have a good team. And that is our focus this summer – building a winning team,” he said.
"Our focus will be less about raw talent and more about things like chemistry and leadership, steel, and footballing IQ.
"We are excited to make those adjustments to the squad.
"When we think about the club itself, we have talked about Rangers DNA, we have talked about people who will get their fingernails dirty."
Few players would appear to fit that profile better than Ferguson.
Having captained Bologna and established himself in one of Europe's strongest leagues, the midfielder combines leadership with technical quality and possesses obvious family ties to Rangers through father Derek Ferguson and uncle Barry Ferguson.
Rangers have looked to secure home-grown talent this summer. With fellow Scotland internationals Lawrence Shankland and Ross McCrorie already snapped up by new boss Derek McInnes.
Dream move may have to wait
Despite that connection, a transfer this summer still appears unlikely.
Earlier this year, Ferguson's agent Bill McMurdo dismissed suggestions he would sign for Rangers this summer.
"No never, not in my opinion."
McMurdo also revealed the disappointment Ferguson felt after being released by Rangers as a youngster.
"First of all, I couldn't understand why they got rid of him,” he revealed.
"They said he was too heavy and he would never make the grade. That stung, as you can imagine."
Yet the long-term ambition has never disappeared.
"I'll tell you this; Lewis will play for Rangers before his career finishes. Absolutely no doubt about that,” he claimed.
"He's maintained that from day one, that at some time in his career, he will come and play for Rangers. One hundred per cent."
With Inter Milan monitoring his situation and Bologna valuing him at around €15 million while holding a contract until 2028, Rangers would likely have to break their transfer record to even begin serious negotiations.
The desire to one day wear the Rangers shirt appears genuine.
Whether that day arrives this summer, however, is a very different question.
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