Ferguson tempted by England

Barry Ferguson is tempted by a move to the English Premiership

Alex McLeish has all but admitted that Barry Ferguson is a troubled man who wants to leave his beloved Rangers.

Blackburn Rovers boss Graeme Souness said in midweek that the Scottish champions had rejected his tentative approach for Scotland midfielder Ferguson.

But, while stressing that Ferguson had not tabled a formal transfer request, Rangers manager McLeish said after Saturday's 3-2 win away to Aberdeen: "I spoke to Barry last night and I know he is troubled at the moment.

"But he has got a great contract with Rangers and he is not in a bad position.

"I hope Barry comes back to me and says 'disregard all this stuff in the papers, I'm bursting to help Rangers get through to the Champions League and start picking up points in the league'.

He maybe was a little apprehensive about the fans' reaction Rangers boss Alex McLeish

"Nobody wants to see him leave, least of all me. And there has not been an offer."

Souness was prepared to table a bid of more than £10m, only to be told that the Rangers captain was not for sale.

However, Ferguson himself appears tempted by a move to England, despite having recently extended his contract with the club he has supported since a boy.

It is being suggested that Ferguson is becoming frustated with life in the Scottish Premier League, where clubs have been forced to severely cut their player budgets due to mounting debts.

The financial pressure could become unstoppable for Rangers should they fail to make the lucrative Champions League group stages.

Rangers were held 1-1 at home to FC Copenhagen on Wednesday and now travel to Denmark as underdogs for the second leg of their qualifier on 27 August.

Failure to progress could force Rangers to sell to keep their bankers happy, or Ferguson to leave to play on a bigger stage.

Rangers could lose Ferguson

But McLeish is determined to hold on to him and said: "I would expect him to give us the type of commanding performance he gave today.

"I have said to him I have got to do the best I can for Rangers and, while he is still a Rangers player, he has to give his best.

"He is the captain and he has matured brilliantly in the last few years and I think he is handling it well, certainly on the pitch.

"We chatted and I told him what is expected of him. He maybe was a little apprehensive about running out today and the fans' reaction.

"But they love him and want him to be a Rangers player for as long as is possible."

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