Manager Stephen Glass says Aberdeen haven’t given up hope of keeping Rangers and Watford target Lewis Ferguson, speaking to The Press and Journal after the midfielder handed in a transfer request.
If Ferguson thought The Dons would be forced into a sale after he expressed his desire to leave Pittodrie before the 31 August transfer deadline, it appears he may be disappointed.
Aberdeen have already rejected a £2 million bid from Premier League newcomers Watford – one the club described as “insulting” – while Rangers have yet to firm up their interest in the 21-year-old nephew of a bonafide Ibrox legend (The Sun).
It has been a month since Ferguson’s agent insisted it was “the right time” for his client to search for a fresh challenge.
There appears to have been little movement on that front since, however, with Rangers now looking at alternative options. Watford, meanwhile, have completed the £9 million signing of Imran Louza from French football.
Does this mean Ferguson will be forced to stay put and return to the Pittodrie dressing room with his tail between his legs?
Will Lewis Ferguson leave Aberdeen for Rangers?
“There have been opportunities presented to him and (Ferguson) believes they are better for him,” said Glass, who recently replaced Derek McInnes in the Aberdeen dugout.
“I spoke to Lewis about (the transfer request). I have no doubts on Lewis’s mentality.
“What ends up happening is I saw after the request went in every day or second day there were ex-players from other clubs who have things to say about our player. That it’s time for him to leave and all that stuff.
“The reason he’ll be in-demand is because he’s a top player but it is important to be clear the club is not actively trying to sell Lewis.
“We know we have a really talented player on our hands. Until somebody comes along with a bid the club finds acceptable, he is going to play for us.”
Ferguson, who has also been tipped to consider a move to Celtic, produced ten goals and five assists as Aberdeen finished a disappointing fourth in the Scottish Premiership table last season.
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