What needs to happen next as Lewis Ferguson opens up on Rangers 'dream'

Lewis Ferguson remains open to joining Rangers after a move failed to materialise in the summer.

The Scotland international was strongly linked with a return to Ibrox before the window shut earlier this month.

Ferguson's own father, former Rangers player Derek, even revealed the Bologna midfielder had agreed to make the move.

However, a deal did not go through for one reason or another - more than likely finances.

Ferguson has now been speaking about the speculation while away on Scotland duty.

And it appears there is still every chance a transfer could happen at some point down the line.

What has Lewis Ferguson said on future Rangers move?

Ferguson would have been a Rangers player already if he had his wish.

Rangers were reportedly quoted a figure of £17million, however, which meant a move was never feasible at that price.

If Nicolas Raskin had been sold for a similar amount, the situation may have been different.

Ferguson was asked about the intense transfer talk from over the summer when speaking to reporters on Monday afternoon.

"I had a long think after the World Cup. I had a bit of time on holiday and thought about the future," he said.

"I was a little unsure but nothing was ever really that close, to be honest. I went back to pre-season with Bologna and had a new manager.

"It was a fresh start, although we've since changed again. I had a thought about my future and in the end it was still at Bologna."

Pressed on whether he can still see himself at Ibrox one day, Ferguson said: "I think one day. It’s no secret I grew up a fan. That’s absolutely no secret.

“My family is involved in the club. It was an aspiration of mine, a dream of mine as a kid and that’s not changed.

“But you know, I don’t want to speak about that while I’m still a player at Bologna - I’ve got too much respect for them.

“But yeah, in the future, you never know. It might happen, it might not. But it’s always been something at the back of my mind.”

Ferguson certainly seems to still be open to the idea, while Rangers would clearly love a player of his quality, so what needs to happen next?

Rangers set to have more bargaining power over Ferguson deal

Ferguson was hailed a "leader" by former Bologna boss Vincenzo Italiano - and he brings far more qualities than just that.

Having started his career in Govan, and grown up with Rangers blood in his body through father Derek and uncle Barry, it is obvious why this move appeals.

The elephant in the room, of course, is finances.

Rangers are not realistically going to go as high as £17m for Ferguson.

The good news is he will only have one year to run on his Bologna contract next summer, so that figure will surely come right down.

A lot can change in the space of eight months, but Rangers should already be looking into exactly how much Ferguson will cost next summer.

The only way this deal gets done at a point when Ferguson is still at his peak is if Rangers finance a move that Bologna are happy with.

If that happens, this is a transfer that really could suit every party.