PROSECUTORS have been given an extra three months to bring former Rangers owner Craig Whyte to trial.

Mr Whyte, 44, who bought the club in May 2011 before he took it into administration in February 2012, stood accused last November of plotting a fraudulent takeover of the Ibrox club.

Former Rangers administrators David Whitehouse, Paul Clark, and David Grier, also of Duff and Phelps, and Gary Withey, a solicitor with law firm Collyer Bristow, also faced charges at that time.

All had been bailed following their appearance in the dock in November.

The Crown Office were required to serve an indictment against the five by September 17.

This is effectively the next step in getting any case to trial.

But, during a special two day hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court, the prosecution requested more time to do this.

Mr Clark, 54, and Mr Whitehouse, 50, were present in court during last week's hearing.

Sheriff Sean Murphy QC has now agreed to a three month extension following several hours of legal talks.