Barry Ferguson has urged Connor Goldson to knock his manager's door if he's serious about staying at Rangers.
The former Ibrox captain has told the influential defender he can end speculation over his future by sitting down with Steven Gerrard.
Now into the final 12 months of his contract, Goldson revealed on Wednesday he's very much in the dark over a new deal.
Talks between club and player have stalled and the 28-year-old will be free to speak to potential suitors come January.
Club legend and Record Sport columnist Ferguson believes it's imperative Rangers retain the former Brighton centre-back, so important was he in last season's Premiership title triumph.
He told Go Radio: "If Connor Goldson's not heard anything I'd go and chap the manager's door. If he really wants to stay he can go and find out.
"I know there were talks at the start of the season and obviously they've dropped off without the amount of games and the international breaks.
"He's similar to a few at Rangers, he's not played at the levels he did last year but, for me, he's a very important player. I really like him, he's grown into a really good centre-back over the last few years.
"He was one of the top performers last year and if Rangers want to keep winning trophies he's one player they've got to keep.
Goldson was integral for Gerrard last season, deputising for James Tavernier as captain when required.
But Ferguson suspects the lure of another crack at the Premier League could prove too much for the Englishman to resist, although strongly believes his best chance of winning more silverware still lies in Glasgow.
He also reckons the ongoing situation will be becoming a concern for Rangers supporters.
He said: "If he's been fit, he's the one player the manager has always picked. He relies on him, he trusts him.
"When Tavernier's been out the team he's been the captain, which tells me he's a leader in the dressing room.
"He's really important to Rangers so it is a concern.
"It'll be a concern for the Rangers fans because they rate him highly and hopefully over the next month or so he can get a deal tied because come January 1, he can sign with another club.
"I still think he's at a good age. Money is different here than it is in England but I'm sure he's on a decent salary.
"If he wants to continue winning trophies, he's at a massive club and is better off staying.
"But it comes down to the player, does he want to go back down and play in the Premier League? I'm sure there's a few clubs looking at him because he is good enough.
"For me, I'd like to see him stay another season or two.
"The problem you've got is the English Championship pays huge salaries as well, now.
"Can Rangers compete with the salaries even in the Championship? They can't, it's impossible with the money down south."
