Lewis Ferguson had agreed to sign for Rangers in the summer but the club failed to actually put an offer to Bologna, his dad has claimed.
Speculation of a return to the Ibrox club, after he was released as a teenager, refused to go away over the summer. Fans were desperate to see a boyhood fan with Serie A experience snapped up.
Bologna were believed to be looking for up to €20million to part with the 27-year-old, which was thought to be likely out of Rangers' reach.
But his dad Derek has previously revealed contact was made. Now, he has gone further by admitting his son had actually spoken to their beloved club and agreed to make the move to work under his former Aberdeen boss, Derek McInnes.
Speaking on Open Goal, Feruson Sr said: "The thing with Lewis was, he agreed everything (to join Rangers). I've said that it was time for Lewis to change. he's been there for four years at Bologna and it's time for a new challenge.
"I had a sit down with him and said to him 'it's a hell of a challenge that (going to Rangers) but it's your career and what you feel is right'.
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"So most things were agreed. But there was never a bid put in. They had agreed a lot of stuff behind the scenes with Lewis. He was up for it, which it was I am basically trying to say. He was up for going to play under Derek McInnes.
"He loves Del and has a lot of respect for him.
"He was prepared (to go) which I was surprised at. I said 'do you not want to give it a wee bit more thought?' but he said no, I'm up for this, I'll take that challenge on."
Asked if the asking price was the biggest stumbling block, Ferguson added: "Aye probably. But you see they have forked out quite a few bob now.
"It would have been a hell of a lot of money, the £15-20million that they were talking about."
He went on to add that the move is unlikely to be revived in January and that "ship has sailed."
