Ferguson (left) was emotional as Rangers won the Scottish Cup final

Birmingham City are close to signing former Scotland captain Barry Ferguson from Rangers.

The Barclays Premier League newcomers, managed by former Rangers boss Alex McLeish, hope to complete the transfer, for about £1m to £1.5m, on Wednesday.

Ferguson had been poised to join West Brom, but that move collapsed when it became apparent that manager Tony Mowbray was leaving to join Celtic.

The 31-year-old was fined and stripped of the Rangers captaincy last season.

It followed a breach of discipline while on Scotland duty in April that also led to an end to his international career.

He was dropped by Rangers manager Walter Smith but returned for their last three games of the season as they overtook Celtic to win the Scottish Premier League and lift the Scottish Cup.

A tearful Ferguson, who is entering the last year of his contract, was coy about his future as Rangers celebrated victory over Falkirk after the cup final at Hampden.

I don't think Barry would have any problems adapting himself to the Premier League Rangers midfielder Pedro Mendes

Assistant manager Ally McCoist was also quoted as saying there was a possibility that Ferguson could remain at Rangers next season.

Ferguson, a product of Rangers' youth system, previously spent 18 months in England's top flight with Blackburn Rovers, who paid £7.5m for the former Scotland captain.

However, he returned to Ibrox for £3m less after an injury-hit spell at Ewood Park.

But Pedro Mendes, who joined Rangers after a spell with Portsmouth, believes that Ferguson would be a success if he has a second spell in England's top flight.

"He is a fantastic player and I don't think he would have any problems," he said.

"Quality players can adapt themselves pretty well and Barry is a quality player, so I don't think he would have any problems adapting himself to the Premier League."

However, Mendes believes Ferguson's departure would be a blow for Rangers.

"He is a strong character in the team, there is no doubt about that," said his midfield team-mate.

"He has a strong presence in the dressing-room and on the pitch and has been captain of Rangers for years and years.

"But I don't know what's going on, so I can't say any more than that."

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