Barry Ferguson has expressed his “shock” at speculation that Rangers winger Barrie McKay is free to leave the club in the summer.
The Daily Record reported that Gers boss Pedro Caixinha is preparing for a fire sale at Ibrox this summer, with McKay the most expensive player on that list with the club inviting bids of £2million.
Former Scotland international Ferguson has, as a result, hit out at Caixinha for his “surprising” and “shocking” decision because he thinks McKay should be a key part of the club’s future plans.
He also thinks that the money Rangers and Caixinha are hoping to sell McKay for is not a reflection of the 22-year-old’s transfer market value.
Ferguson was clearly not pleased with the possible overhaul that is going to take place at the club in the summer as he spoke highly about the qualities McKay can bring to the squad.
“As far as I’m concerned only two players have shown this season they can do something different – Kenny Miller and Barrie McKay,” Ferguson told the Daily Record. “But, incredibly, in my opinion, McKay is one of the names on the list, as revealed by Record Sport this week, for sale.
“And for £2million? I know he only has a year left on his deal but I’m surprised at that. I don’t believe that is his true market value.
“Rangers should be trying to tie the 22-year-old down and making him in integral part of their future plans. So the news he is free to go was a shock to me.
“Listen, I’m one of McKay’s biggest critics but his ability isn’t in question and his performance in the Old Firm game at Hogmanay showed he can be a massive player.”
Over the course of the season, McKay has been a goal threat for a Rangers side that has disappointed for the majority of the campaign.
He has played 46 matches in all competitions this season, scoring six goals and supplying 11 assists for the Bears, who finished the Scottish Premiership season in third place.
Paisley-born McKay currently has one-year left on his contract at Ibrox and also has one Scotland international cap to his name.
He came off the bench for his side’s final game of the season when they beat St Johnstone 2-1 away from home.