Barry Ferguson insists Rangers would be mad to sell Connor Goldson this summer - even if the centre back doesn't agree a new deal at the club.
The Englishman is out of contract next summer and many expected a decision to be made on whether he will sign an extension or be sold this year to make money from him.
Rangers are believed to be relaxed over the situation, though, and Goldson could be allowed to leave Ibrox on a free transfer next summer if he doesn't sign on.
And Ferguson reckons it's a 'no-brainer' for Steven Gerrard to keep hold of him because the money on offer winning the league is worth more than any transfer fee they would get for their vice-captain.
Some fans are fearful that Goldson could take his foot off the gas if he's looking to move to the English Premier League but Ferguson reckons there's no chance of that.
That's why he's backing the Ibrox side to be strong favourites for the league title - and automatic Champions League entry - this season again with Goldson at the heart of it.
In his Daily Record column, he said: "It’s a no-brainer for the club. They simply have to keep Goldson for the coming season because the prize at the end of it is worth far more to them than any transfer they’ll bring in for him.
"If Rangers were to win the title again, direct entry to the Champions League awaits and with it a cheque for at least £30million. That’s a game-changer. That kind of cash can open the door for even better players to arrive in the coming years.
"And although Rangers will be big favourites to make it two in a row this season, the fact is they’ll have a much better chance with Goldson at the heart of their defence.
"It’s no coincidence he is one central defender who plays every game. Filip Helander, Leon Balogun, Jack Simpson and maybe Niko Katic this season will come in and out of the team but Goldson is the constant.
"Now, he might well sign an extension and if he does I’m sure Gerrard will be delighted. But if he doesn’t, and fancies going back to England next summer, I’m convinced he’ll want to do that with more medals in his kitbag.
"He was a man mountain for Rangers last season – an absolute rock who emerged as a proper leader of the team. In his first season I thought he had the odd mistake in him but he’s clearly worked on his game and was outstanding in the last campaign.
"There’s a real strong mentality and while we’ve seen plenty of examples of players running down their contracts and maybe taking their foot off the gas, I don’t think there’s a chance in hell of him going down that route.
"He’ll want to be part of another success and he won’t be alone."
Do you want an exclusive pre-season Rangers preview - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.
