Alex McLeish believes he would be priced out of any move for Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra.

The centre-back has made a huge impact at Ibrox following his August move from Charlton, but McLeish, in the market for two central defenders, feels he might be out of his price range.

"He has done well but I would expect Rangers to ask for a high fee," said the Blues boss. "It would maybe be too much for what we can afford."

Meanwhile, McLeish has expressed his continuing admiration for Barry Ferguson, banned by the Scottish FA and who lost the Rangers captaincy in April following a drinking session and subsequent gestures made to TV cameras while on international duty.

McLeish added: "I know he has had injuries in recent years but, if he puts his mind to it, Barry can be anything he wants to be. I feel for him, the way it has happened. He came back from England and helped myself, my staff and the Rangers followers to a title in 2005.

"I think some people think he didn`t do well in England. He had a slow start but after he came back from his injury at Blackburn he was one of the outstanding players in the league. A lot of managers told me that at the time."