Another snag hits Whyte's Rangers bid

Craig WHYTE'S proposed takeover of Rangers has hit a new snag. Six months after declaring his interest in buying the Scottish champions, the Motherwell-born businessman hoped he would finally complete the deal, costed at around £33 million, early this week.

However, it is understood Rangers chairman Alastair Johnston wants talks to continue to the end of the season.

It is understood that Whyte's camp are more than frustrated about the hold-up after meeting all the criteria laid down as part of the deal by majority shareholder Sir David Murray and after agreeing terms with Lloyds Bank.

A source close to Whyte's camp said: "Craig Whyte is in a position to close the deal immediately. Everything is ready to go but some members of the independent committee are dragging their heels and want to delay the takeover until the end of the season."

Johnston is part of the independent committee which comprises Rangers board members including chief executive Martin Bain, John McClelland, Donald McIntyre and John Greig.