ALEX McLEISH has confirmed he has made an enquiry about Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson.

The Birmingham City boss wants the former Ibrox captain to play a key role for his side in the Premier League next season.

Boss Walter Smith isn't expected to stand in Ferguson's way providing the Midlands club stump up at least £1million for his signature.

Ferguson's current deal at Ibrox will expire at the end of next season and he has already been informed there won't be another offer on the table at that stage.

It means Rangers will either have to cash in on him this summer or during the January transfer window to avoid losing him under freedom of contract.

After the off-the-field problems last season, when he was axed as skipper and suspended for his part in the Boozegate affair, it's understood ex-Blackburn player Ferguson would be willing to move to England again.

Former Gers manager McLeish said: "I haven't made a move for Barry but I have enquired about him.

"He is one of a number of players I am interested in. I'm on holiday right now but I'm still working away at some things."

Meanwhile, Mark Hateley has warned Rangers they must learn the lessons of last season's disastrous European campaign if they are to make any impact on the Champions League this time around.

The Ibrox side crashed out of continental competition at the first hurdle 12 months ago when they suffered a humiliating defeat to Lithuanian minnows FBK Kaunas and the early exit cost the Ibrox club millions in much-needed revenue.

Nine-in-a-row hero Hateley fears competing with the cream of Europe will be difficult for Smith's men, but believes reaching the 2008 Uefa Cup Final against the odds should provide hope.

"It was a disappointing European campaign last season and hopefully lessons will be learned," he said.

"In the Champions League it is very difficult to try to achieve anything against the big clubs with all the money.

"But who would have said we would have got to the Uefa Cup Final?"