Rangers respond to takeover speculation

RANGERS Football Club today issued a statement amid speculation a takeover bid was being prepared.

• Rangers' main shareholder: "considering options"

Newspaper reports suggested that a London-based consortium as well as two other parties were interested in making an offer.

The Glasgow club has reportedly seen debts of as much as 31 million recently.

A statement on the Ibrox club's website said: "The board of directors of The Rangers Football Club plc is aware of the recent takeover speculation in the media and refers shareholders and supporters to a previous statement issued in October 2009.

"The club's board has been advised by its principal shareholder, Murray International Holdings Limited, that it is considering options regarding its shareholding in the club and this may or may not lead to MIH disposing of some or all of its stake in the club to a third party.

"The directors of the club will keep shareholders advised of key developments but the board is unable to comment further at this time."

Businessman Sir David Murray controls around 90% of the shares in the Scottish champions.