Will Nicolas Raskin sale free up enough funds for Rangers to sign Lewis Ferguson?

Rangers have a financial mountain to climb to sign Lewis Ferguson from Bologna this summer.

The Scotland international is being linked with a move away from the Serie A side and the Gers have emerged as one of the contenders to get him.

As things stand, the Italian club have placed a £17million price tag on the 26-year-old midfielder and it remains to be seen whether the Light Blues can match it.

Ferguson's move to Ibrox has been thrown into doubt due to Bologna's massive valuation and the possible wages that he would demand.

While the Glaswegian outfit are expected to raise funds from the sale of players like Nicolas Raskin, a deal for the Scottish ace has been deemed too rich.

Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises haven't been shy about splashing the cash for Derek McInnes, but his reunion with the midfielder may not be on the cards in Govan.

What's the most Rangers have spent on a player?

Tore Andre Flo has remained the most expensive incoming transfer at the Gers since moving from Chelsea in November 2000 for £12m.

The likes of Ryan Kent and Michael Ball are also on the list, but Youssef Chermiti became the most expensive addition at Ibrox in 25 years last summer.

If the Glaswegian outfit want to sign Ferguson, they will have to pay more than double what they initially spent on the former Everton striker.

Scottish journalist Roger Hanah doesn't give the Govan side any chance of completing a deal for the former Aberdeen midfielder, but it's still one worth keeping an eye on.

Speaking on Go Ballistic on 6 July, Hanah said, "I just think the transfer fee signals the end of that. Rangers paid £8m for Chermiti up front and it could go to £10m. It's the biggest fee they paid in 25 years. And you're asking them more than double that this summer to get Ferguson.

"And I know they might bring in money for Raskin, and they might bring in money for other players as well, but an outlay of £17m and then you would have to pay him commensurate to a £17m player. I just thought the deal was too rich for any Scottish team, Celtic or Rangers, anyone. I just think the deal is too rich. I might be wrong."

Why Ibrox hierarchy have chance to pull off Lewis Ferguson deal

Connor Barron is attracting interest from Bologna and the 23-year-old could be used by Rangers to reduce Ferguson's price tag

The Gers have spent a combined £7m so far this summer on Ivor Pandur and Ross McCrorie and there is arguably still a lot of money to go around.

Cavenagh approved a £16m share issue in March to further invest in the squad, while the Light Blues can also hope to make a hefty profit from Raskin's sale.

Other bit-part players could potentially leave soon to reduce the wage bill at the Govan side and possibly open the doors for Ferguson's arrival.