Rangers takeover talks to escalate in World Cup break after big-money update – pundit
We’re delighted to welcome Tam McManus as our exclusive Rangers columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Kyle Fox could ramp up her attempts to complete a takeover at Rangers over the World Cup break, according to former striker Tam McManus.
The Daily Record reported on 20 October that Fox “has agreements in place to hoover up a stake of between 25-30 per cent at 40p per share”, which would make the US businesswoman the biggest single shareholder at Ibrox.
Douglas Park and the current Rangers directors weren’t pleased with Fox’s initial plans to buy a 75 per cent controlling stake at the Govan club but she’s now looking to strike a deal worth less than that.
With Celtic seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership and Giovanni van Bronckhorst struggling to quash talk of him being sacked by the Gers board, McManus believes that Fox could ramp up her efforts to complete a takeover in the upcoming World Cup break to potentially secure extra funding for the January transfer window.
When asked if a takeover could be needed at Rangers, McManus told Ibrox News: “Yeah. I think Douglas Park will be looked upon fondly by Rangers supporters when he does sell up.
“He’s put his money where his mouth is, he’s backed Steven Gerrard heavily and he stopped Celtic from winning 10-in-a-row, which was a be-all and end-all.
“It didn’t matter how much money that took, that was everything for Rangers supporters.
“ I don’t know Douglas Park and what his intentions are but for Rangers fans, seeing somebody come in with fresh money and deeper pockets to finance the club would be good overall.
“But the rumours aren’t going away about the American businesswoman. It’s lingering.
“And I think when that happens, there’s something usually in it in Glasgow.
“You may find that will escalate in the World Cup break.”
Speaking to Football Insider on 24 October, football finance expert Kieran Maguire said that Fox may struggle to convince shareholders to sell as she plans to acquire a 25 per cent stage.
Maguire estimates the Light Blues are worth £100million, meaning £25million would have to be stumped up to own a quarter of the Ibrox giants.
In other Rangers news, the Gers are ready to bid £5million to beat Celtic to the signing of one of their long-term targets.