Dons’ £500k bill for Accies kid Ferguson
HAMILTON have hit Aberdeen with a £500,000 compensation bill for teenage midfielder Lewis Ferguson. Out of contract this summer, the 18-year-old has signed a pre-contract agreement at Pittodrie, but Accies have rejected an opening offer of £100,000 to cover the costs of developing and training the youngster in their academy system. This has led to a stand-off between the clubs which
Sportsmail understands could end in a transfer tribunal similar to that which saw Dundee United ordered to pay £209,000 to Rangers for teenage midfielder Charlie Telfer in 2014. Telfer had left Ibrox in search of first-team football and the wrangle over his exit ran for six months. However, Hamilton believe they are entitled to significantly more cash because Ferguson — son of ex-Rangers star Derek — has already made 14 appearances for Martin Canning’s first team this season and they feel he has the same potential as former Accies stars James McArthur and James McCarthy. The midfielder made his senior debut in January, while his last appearance saw him come off the bench to set up the second goal for David Templeton in a 2-0 win over Ross County last month. Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes confirmed news of Ferguson’s capture earlier this month, telling the club website: ‘Lewis is a promising young player who I look forward to working with and developing here at Pittodrie. ‘It became known to us a few weeks ago that he had failed to negotiate a deal to re-sign at Hamilton, so we took advantage of that and we are delighted to get him. ‘He is 18, 6ft 1in, strong, can do a bit of everything and I think he will only get better. ‘He plays with an edge but has two good feet and is technically good. We feel he has lots of potential.’ McInnes is also in the market for Ross County right-back Jason Naismith, while Peterborough director of football Barry Fry claims the Dons boss is chasing defender Jack Baldwin and midfielder Chris Forrester. Fry said: ‘Aberdeen want Jack and Chris — but I’m not sure they will be able to afford them.’