Rangers takeover: Ally McCoist welcomes news of takeover bids

McCoist says administrators Duff and Phelps are expecting several offers today.

“I spoke to David Whitehouse from Duff and Phelps this morning and he was very positive that there would be a number of bids in before close of play today, which is very, very encouraging,” McCoist said.

McCoist added: “I have met two or three, and spoken on the phone to two or three interested parties, David said there were three or four more and he was hopeful that I would get an opportunity to meet with some of them early next week.

“Without getting too carried away, it has certainly been more positive in the last three or four days.

“We have had a really, really tough month but when you look back at the 140 years of history we’ve had at the club, it’s vitally important to continue for the next 140 years.

“There is a little bit more light at the end of the tunnel and more positive noises coming out.”

Two parties have confirmed they will bid - former Rangers director Paul Murray’s ‘Blue Knights’ consortium, which is backed by investment firm Ticketus and supporters groups, and Sale Sharks owner Brian Kennedy.

McCoist admits the prospect of securing a Creditors Voluntary Agreement will likely hinge on Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs but he is more hopeful that can be settled.

“Anything can happen, we’re not out the woods yet,” he said.

“The threat of liquidation is still there but I just feel it’s a little bit more remote than it has been.”

Kennedy has described himself as a reluctant bidder but McCoist did not get that impression from their recent meeting.

“Brian was extremely positive about the club, extremely positive about the club’s future and extremely positive about what his involvement in taking the club forward would be,” McCoist said.

“I had a great meeting with Brian. I have got absolutely no doubts, if his bid was accepted, it would be positive for the club.”

But McCoist added: “It’s absolutely not for me to say what the best option is.

“I feel I have to be completely and utterly neutral.

“I will hopefully be speaking to every potential purchaser - they want to ask me questions and I obviously want to ask them questions.

“The club is in a bit of a strange scenario with no board of directors, no chief executive, no chairman.

“It would be unfair and wrong of me to have a favourite in terms of a potential purchaser.

“It’s my job to listen to all of them. I have stated to them that I will be speaking to all of them that I can and am allowed to. They all respected that.”

Duff and Phelps have previously revealed interest from America and the Far East.

Chicago-based Club 9 Sports, who failed with an investment offer to Sheffield Wednesday in 2010, and New York investment firm Fortress were both reported to be considering offers.