'US-backed Rangers takeover at advanced stage' - Thursday's gossip
A US-led takeover bid for Rangers is at an advanced stage and the deal, with Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe as a key man, would result in the Ibrox club being run by the investment arm of NFL club San Francisco 49ers. (Daily Record)
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe and fellow US business figures have held detailed talks with Rangers in recent months, with current American board member John Halsted a prominent figure in bringing potential investors to the table, but there are still plenty of hurdles to overcome. (Scottish Sun)
Paraag Marathe, who stands on the brink of putting together an American takeover of Rangers, grew up in California, the son of Indian immigrants, working behind the till of the family pizza restaurant before spending 24 years climbing his way up through the ranks of his beloved San Francisco 49ers. (Daily Record)
While not denying the prospect of a potential takeover by American investors, a Rangers spokesperson stressed it is not their policy to comment on speculation and that, if there were any such discussions, they would remain confidential. (The Herald)
Speaking recently on the Sports Geek Replay podcast, Paraag Marathe, who is being linked with a US-backed takeover of Rangers, explained how clubs in his stable no longer operate as "lemonade stands" and are run to maximise return on investment. (The National)
While a San Francisco 49ers-backed takeover could boost Rangers financially and raise hopes of a hefty squad rebuild, financial sustainability rules brought in by Uefa restrict clubs' spending on wages, transfers and agent fees to 80% of revenue - 70% during the summer. (Glasgow Times)
Rangers have received a £3.6m injection from their current owners in the form of a new share issue, but it is so far unclear whether the investment comes in the form of a cash injection or the conversion of debt into equity. (Football Insider)
In the wake of a Times investigation, Rangers have been revealed as a third Scottish Premiership club, along with Dundee United and Hibernian, who received a major sum in research and development tax credits from HMRC, which is keen to recoup sums it says were meant for "science and tech". (Scottish Sun)
Tom Taylor has departed his job as Rangers' head of performance after 14 months to join Chelsea as their lead physical performance coach. (The National)
Ianis Hagi is expected to leave Rangers when his contract ends this summer, with the Scottish Premiership club saying during initial talks they are currently unable to afford the Romania midfielder's financial demands, and Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are among clubs monitoring the 26-year-old. (Pro Sport)
Newcastle United scouts have been keeping an eye on the progress of Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn ahead of a possible summer bid, but there are alternative options ahead of the 25-year-old on their list of targets. (Football Insider)
St Johnstone striker Benjamin Kimpioka is still exploring options to leave the Perth club while transfer windows remain open in different parts of the world and the uncertainty has been a factor in manager Simo Valakari's decision to omit his 24-year-old top scorer from match-day squads for more than a month. (The Courier)
