Rumour Mill: Rangers takeover

Second Robert Sarver bid rejected by board

Rangers have rejected another bid from US tycoon Robert Sarver. The Phoenix Suns owner tabled a £20 million bid to take over the club, following an £18 million offer earlier in the month. Sarver, as part of the deal, was also offering £6.5 million in emergency loans.

In a statement this morning, the club said: “Following receipt of the revised proposal from Mr Sarver, the Board has sought the views of a number of major shareholders on this revised proposal and has reached the same conclusion, namely that the resolution to approve the placing is unlikely to achieve the 75% majority required. Accordingly, once again, the Directors do not intend to hold the General Meeting which would be necessary to implement the revised proposal.” (Scotsman)

Rangers ‘should be controlled by fans’

Three Bears investor George Taylor believes Rangers should eventually be controlled by the Ibrox support.

Along with partners Douglas Park and George Letham – as well as oldco director Dave King – the Hong Kong-based banker is among three factions battling for control of the Glasgow club.

The Morgan Stanley managing director has now signed up to a life-time membership with fan-ownership group Rangers First. In a statement issues yesterday, he said: “My hope is that direct fan ownership would become the biggest individual owner of Rangers.” (Scotsman)

Ex-Hearts defender Ryan McGowan on Coventry radar

Coventry City manager Steven Pressley is weighing up a move for the former Hearts defender Ryan McGowan.

The 25-year-old is a free agent after leaving Chinese Superleague outfit Shandong Luneng last month and is keen on a return to Britain, with England his preferred destination.

McGowan last week confirmed his intention to “weigh up all my options and make the right decision for me” and Pressley is among a number of suitors for the Australia international. (Scotsman)

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Vladimir Romanov not all bad says Christophe Berra

Christophe Berra, the Ipswich Town defender and former Hearts captain, has defended former Tynecastle owner Vladimir Romanov.

“Of course, there were a couple issues towards the end,” admitted Berra. “Not getting paid on time was obviously one of them, so you could see that something was coming. But there were also a lot of good memories too. Winning the Scottish Cup, finishing second, playing in the Europa League, Champions League qualifiers, so people shouldn’t forget what [Romanov] did for the club.” (Scotsman)

St Mirren close to being bought by Argentinians

An Argentinian consortium is closing in on a £1.5 million deal to buy St Mirren. Lawyer Ricardo Pini is leading the group, who have already reached an agreement in principle to purchase the club.

The consortium is expected to hold up to 75 per cent of the club once the deal is pushed through.

Pini and his brother Sebastian were previously involved with Chilean outfit Rangers de Talca, but sold their shares last year after the club were relegated from the country’s top flight. (Daily Mail)

John Guidetti ‘happy’ at trophy-chasing Celtic

John Guidetti has claimed he is “happy” at Celtic as the guessing game about his future continues.

The on-loan Manchester City striker, who limped off during the 1-0 defeat from PSV Eindhoven in Gran Canaria at the weekend, hasn’t scored in his past six competitive games. However, he became a fans’ favourite by collecting 11 goals before he hit his current dry spell.

“I am only looking forward and not back. I am playing for a great club with great supporters.

“We are in the running for four trophies. I am happy at Celtic.”(Scotsman)

Rado Cierzniak: Dundee United can win the lot

Dundee United captain Rado Cierzniak has backed his team to win a historic treble this season. United are currently eight points behind league leaders Aberdeen, but remain in contention for the Scottish League Cup and Scottish Cup.

The goalkeeper said: “We want to win the cups and the league. Everything is still possible for us and I can believe we can win all three. Why not? This is the biggest chance for Dundee United in the last 30 years.” (Scottish Sun)

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Rumour Mill: Rangers takeover | Robert Sarver