Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United, ManU Fc Manager Liverpool V Manchester United Anfield, Liverpool , England 16 December 2007 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: Allstar/RichardxSelle 12885284
Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday has called on the club to cash in on Nico Raskin and use the funds to bring Lewis Ferguson to Ibrox this summer.
Halliday believes Ferguson is the ideal marquee signing for new manager Derek McInnes as he rebuilds the Ibrox squad ahead of the new campaign.
Both Ferguson and Raskin are currently featuring at the World Cup, raising their respective profiles and the likelihood of transfer interest intensifying.
Ferguson still has two years remaining on his contract with his Italian club, with an option of a further 12 months available.
Halliday expects significant offers for Raskin to arrive and believes the Belgian’s departure could directly fund a move for the Scotland international.
He said: “You’re talking about ticking boxes, low risk, Lewis Ferguson fits that mould. The only question is, what is the value of a player that’s done so well in Serie A?”
Halliday highlighted Ferguson’s track record, noting: “He was the best midfielder in the league two seasons ago, captain of Bologna.”
The former Gers star also pointed to the intangible qualities Ferguson would bring, saying: “In terms of character, desire, knows what it’s like to play in Scotland, knows what the club’s all about, can get around the younger players, I think that’s what Derek’s going to look for.”
Halliday outlined his thinking on the funding model directly, stating: “What fee can Rangers demand for Nico Raskin? Could you go and use that for Lewis Ferguson? It’s as simple as that.”
He added that Ferguson ticks both crucial boxes Rangers need to fill, combining knowledge of Scottish football with the quality required at the highest level.
Halliday also addressed speculation surrounding Cammy Devlin, his former Hearts teammate, who has been linked with following McInnes from Tynecastle to Govan.
Devlin is out of contract at Hearts and is currently on World Cup duty with Australia, attracting interest from MLS side Real Salt Lake, clubs in Turkey, and a new deal offer from Hearts.
Halliday said: “I wouldn’t say it’s a no-brainer. Listen, Cammy deserves the speculation, deserves a move.”
However, he tempered expectations, questioning whether Devlin could immediately elevate Rangers’ starting eleven despite praising his character and attitude.
He said: “Would Cammy Devlin come in and immediately improve Rangers starting XI? I’m not too sure. I think that’s one that you maybe sign and see.”
Halliday confirmed the move would carry minimal financial risk, noting it is a free transfer, and that McInnes knows the player better than most managers currently in the running.
Rangers will begin the new Premiership season with a trip to Dundee United at Tannadice on Friday, July 31, live on Sky Sports at 8pm.
Halliday described it as a tough opener, saying: “They’re the fixtures that Rangers have struggled for a number of years now — away games against teams that, on paper, you’d expect them to beat, but they’ve made hard work of it.”
He identified winning those so-called winnable away fixtures as one of the biggest challenges McInnes faces as he begins his tenure at Ibrox.
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