Ferguson hands in transfer request

Blackburn midfielder Barry Ferguson appears to have moved a step closer to a return to Rangers after handing in a transfer request.

The Scotland international has become homesick in Lancashire and is desperate for a move back to Ibrox, where he made a name for himself, before the transfer window closes.

Rangers had made an approach but the clubs failed to reach agreement over a fee, prompting Ferguson's decision to take matters into his own hands.

Blackburn chief executive John Williams said: "I can confirm that Barry Ferguson has put in a transfer request and the situation will now be considered by the board."

Rovers are on the verge of signing Robbie Savage from Birmingham but only earlier today manager Mark Hughes expressed his hope that Ferguson would stay with the club.

Ferguson, who cost Rovers £7.5million in August 2003, is currently under treatment for an injury which ruled him out of the weekend win at Portsmouth and sidelines him for tomorrow's FA Cup third-round replay at home to Cardiff.

The 26-year-old was left frustrated after Rangers' initial £3million bid was rejected but Rangers boss Alex McLeish will hope to be reunited with him before the Bank of Scotland Premier League game at Aberdeen on Sunday.