"In the meantime Rovers will give 'careful and fair consideration' to Ferguson's transfer request over the next few days.
Ferguson made it clear in a meeting with Rovers officials last week that he was hankering after a return to Rangers so when the Glasgow giants had a bid for him rejected last Wednesday,it was inevitable that a transfer request would follow.
"I half expected a written transfer request from Barry," said John Williams.
"He indicated in a meeting with us last week he would like to return to Rangers if possible.
"He's not interested in joining any other English clubs, he loves the training here and he likes Mark Hughes but the idea of joining Rangers appeals to him.
"We will consider his request fully in the next 48-72 hours before we make a formal response in writing."
.............................."There's a difference between our attempt to sign Robbie Savage and Rangers' attempt to sign Barry," said Williams.
"We were making serious bids for Robbie whereas Rangers' offer for Barry was not even challenging.
"If the board was to accept that offer then,in my opinion,I think the shareholders would look to remove the board.
"We are not going to write off £3.5 million for a player we paid £6.5 million for a tear and a half ago.
"It's like David Murray charging us £3.5 million to loan him for 18 months.It's preposterous"
LET-19/01/05