Graeme Shinnie joining Rangers would be a brave move - and make him an Aberdeen hate figure

Steven Gerrard sees the 27-year-old midfielder, who will be available on a free, as the competitive leader his team need for next season if they are to compete for trophies.

Former Aberdeen striker Scott Booth admitted he would respect Shinnie if he were to become the second Aberdeen captain, after Ryan Jack, to join Rangers.

But warned his fellow Aberdonian that his home city would never forgive him if he ended up in the colours of the Ibrox club.

Glasgow City head coach Scott Booth

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Booth said: "It is a difficult decision for Graeme.

"I actually had an opportunity at one point to go to Rangers and for one reason and another it never came off. But 100 per cent in the back of my head was the thought that if I took the opportunity that I wouldn’t get back into Aberdeen again.

“That was a really big stumbling block for me. In some respects it’s probably easier now to make that move because back then we had a bit of success and players at the club who had been there for a long time and were literally telling you not to go (to Rangers).

“It has changed, a bit, and players have made that move, such as David Robertson from my day.

“Players want to play for honours and to win things, or they choose to play for money. For me, it was more about the fact that I was born and bred in Aberdeen so if I was going to move it was to be abroad.

“The Aberdeen-Rangers rivalry was intense back then and, of course it still is. It takes a lot of character for a player to move from Aberdeen to Rangers or Celtic, and that’s because they know their life won’t be that easy, it won’t be so smooth, especially if they come from the Aberdeen area.

Graeme Shinnie en route to Astana

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“But then that’s what rivalry is. If a player does make that move and is successful, then I take my hat off to him because they have definitely got thick skin.”

Booth believes there is a chance Shinnie might stay in the North East because Aberdeen are a club going places.

But the now manager of Glasgow City knows that Rangers are in a position to offer any player a far higher salary than they could hope to receive in Aberdeen.

Booth said: "Ultimately, Graeme, is great player for Aberdeen with a terrific attitude.

"Graeme is a player you can rely on, one of Aberdeen’s go-to guys in that squad which does have a lot of younger players.

“He’s in a position where he will have suitors, without a doubt, and everyone has to go to make a decision based on their own circumstances.

“Things have changed from my day. The money is massive – it wasn’t so big for me back in the day – and so a good move now can change your life completely. That’s why a lot move. There’s no doubt about that, and it comes to money and security for your family.

“For me, Aberdeen are going in a different direction. The new stadium is coming, a new training ground as well. The club taking a step up. These things can help keep players but I’m unsure what Graeme will do.”