Lewis Ferguson has been warned he is taking a huge gamble by slapping in a transfer request at Aberdeen.

The midfielder officially lodged his desire to leave the club with Premier League outfit Watford keen on a move for his services.

Rangers have also been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old recently but former Dons striker Duncan Shearer reckons he needs to be careful with his next move after officially handing in a written request.

"With three years to run on his deal with Aberdeen I can only think Ferguson’s head has been turned by the bid from Watford," Shearer told Press and Journal. "He clearly feels after three years he has served his apprenticeship with the club and it is time to move on.

“I wouldn’t say the situation is in his favour though as he is under contract and he is playing a dangerous game. Had he only had a year remaining on his deal a transfer request would have put Aberdeen under some pressure but the club holds the power here.”

We told how Aberdeen were "insulted" by the Hornets' £1.2million bid for Ferguson and outright rejected his request immediately.

They released a statement yesterday saying: "Aberdeen Football Club is greatly disappointed to have received a written transfer request from midfielder Lewis Ferguson today.

Glasgow Times: Shearer has fired a warning to FergusonShearer has fired a warning to Ferguson

"This request, made after the Club dismissed what can only be described as an insulting offer from an English Premier League club for one of Scotland’s most talented young midfield players, was rejected immediately.

"The Club holds Lewis in the highest regard. Having made a significant investment to both acquire and develop Lewis, he has a bright future ahead of him as an integral part of Stephen Glass’s squad."

Ferguson's agent, Bill McMurdo, revealed his client had submitted an official request but was not given a valuation that his club would be looking for before they allow him to move on.