Aberdeen won’t let Lewis Ferguson leave Pittodrie on a cut-price deal.
The midfielder has been linked with Celtic over the last 12 months with his uncle, Barry, claiming that there would be no issue if Lewis crossed the divide to join Celtic.
Lewis has had three strong seasons since leaving Hamilton for Aberdeen but ended last season by putting in a transfer request.
Some English sides have been linked with the midfielder but with Celtic facing a massive rebuild it would be a surprise if domestic players aren’t under consideration. In the last two years Celtic have turned to Motherwell and Kilmarnock to bring in David Turnbull and Greg Taylor.
Looking at the transfer options at Aberdeen, the Evening Express reports:
Aberdeen intend to move quickly to secure top talent on long term deals to maximise their impact whilst playing for the club and also their value if they are eventually sold on.
Gunn points to recent examples such as Scotland international defender Scott McKenna and midfielder Lewis Ferguson of being ‘braver’ with signed players by making the commitment of securing them to long term deals.
Ferguson has signed two contract extensions since joining the Reds from Hamilton in 2018 and is tied to the Reds until summer 2024.
Aberdeen recently rejected two bids from Premier League Watford, with the second £2m, for Ferguson who returned for pre-season training with the squad last week.
Speaking in May, Glasgow Live reports Barry Ferguson discussing his nephew:
I just want Lewis to go and play at the highest level, whether that’s for Rangers or Celtic or somebody down in the Premier League. I don’t care, I just want him to go and have a top career in the game.
Scott Brown’s move from Celtic could open a slot in the hoops midfield but the arrival of the former Scotland midfielder at Pittodrie could provide Ferguson with reason to stay on for another season.
Twelve months alongside Brown could take Ferguson’s game to another level with Stephen Glass replacing Derek McInnes in the dug-out.