Lewis Ferguson now 'tempted' by Bologna exit as Rangers hope grow after latest update

Rangers target Lewis Ferguson is understood to be open to leaving Bologna this summer.

The Scottish international was away with the Tartan Army at this year's World Cup, but was ultimately unable to spare Steve Clarke's blushes in North America.

Derek McInnes is keen on having a Scottish spine, and early additions at Ibrox have already helped towards his wish.

Ferguson could be next on the agenda for the Gers, as the midfielder will now sit down and decide on his future.

The former Aberdeen star had a stall in contract talks with his parent club, who may need to cash in this summer if they cannot reach an agreement.

However, Rangers appear to be taking action, though they understand a deal may be hard to reach for Ferguson.

Lewis Ferguson loan exit mooted amid Rangers interest

Ferguson knows McInnes well from their time together at Aberdeen, and the Rangers boss will no doubt be open to the idea of resigning his former star.

The Bears face competition from Roma and Atalanta, as the Daily Record have already claimed that Ibrox sources have acknowledged that it will be a difficult deal despite work going on behind the scenes.

According to exclusive information gathered by Tutto Cagliari, Ferguson, who is good mates with Ross McCrorie, would be "tempted" to leave Bologna.

Rangers are said to have taken the first steps to sign the 26-year-old.

It's also reported that Italian side Cagliari are weighing up a loan-to-buy move, as they've long admired Ferguson from afar.

While full details of Rangers' move have yet to be disclosed, it could be that the Bears also try to sign him on loan.

That may happen, especially because of Bologna's terms for a sale.

Bologna's price tag for Ferguson may test Rangers

Andrew Cavenagh has hinted that the Bears will have big money to spend this summer, and ambition has already shone through in recent transfers.

Bologna have put a £17.2million price tag on Ferguson, according to a report from Italian outlet Il Resto Del Carlino, a fee that would no doubt test the Bears.

It seems it would take a record bid from Rangers to sign the midfielder, unless they thought about a loan move, like Cagliari.

The 49ers won't want to blow their whole budget on one player, but then again, he could be the difference for McInnes.