Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson has been told Derek McInnes is the "perfect manager" to get his career back on track amid links with Rangers. The Light Blues have stated they will have a focus on players with SPFL experience this summer, and that vision has already seen Lawrence Shankland arrive from Hearts. Scotland star Ferguson, who played under McInnes at Aberdeen, would perfectly fit the mould.
Ferguson's Career at Bologna
After leading the Italian side to Coppa Italia glory last season, Ferguson found regular minutes harder to come by this term. Reports in Italy had suggested the 26-year-old was close to penning a contract extension with Bologna, but the talks appear to have gone quiet after boss Vincenzo Italiano joined Besiktas and was replaced by Domenico Tedesco.
Family Ties to Rangers
His dad Derek and Barry both turned out for the Light Blues, and it has previously been mentioned by the pair that the youngster was determined to follow in their footsteps before he left the Dons in 2022. With Ferguson currently at the World Cup, former Ibrox winger Jamie Murphy reckons it's now or never for a move to the Glasgow giants.
Murphy told The Go Radio Football Show: "I think he [Derek McInnes] is the perfect manager for him, if it is to be the case. Obviously he has worked with him before, and he knows his strengths and weaknesses. I know the Lewis Ferguson thing has been flying around for a couple of years now, but if it's ever going to get done it's going to be this summer."
Record Transfer Fee Required
But if the club's American owners are to land the playmaker permanently, they may have to break the club's transfer record. The most the club have spent on a player has stood at £12million since Tore Andre Flo joined the club from Chelsea in 2000.
Speaking on Hotline Live, Keith Jackson noted that the likes of Juventus were keen on the Scot before his nightmare cruciate ligament injury. He said: "Lewis Ferguson, they were getting mega offers. His value has come down because he's not getting a game. The absolute best price you could get, and you'd be doing really well, would be £12m."
