A PROMINENT American businessman who owns the Phoenix Suns basketball team is the latest name to be linked with a possible takeover at Rangers.
Robert Sarver is understood to have made an £18m offer for a controlling stake in the club just after Christmas, however any takeover is not likely to be imminent as he would have to wait until a new share issue is announced.
His interest in the Ibrox side comes as the so-called Three Bears consortium and South African businessman Dave King could be investigated over their recent share purchases.
The Panel of Takeovers and Mergers is almost certain to investigate George Letham, George Taylor and Douglas Park, who last week bought 16 per cent of the club, and King, who bought 15 per cent, to find out if they acted in concert.
The two parties look set to retain their stronghold on the Ibrox side, but the move could cause serious trouble for the businessmen if they are found not to have acted independently.
Meanwhile, Sarver, who also owns Phoenix Mercury Women's National Basketball team, is believed waiting in the wings for a chance to takeover at Ibrox.
A source told the BBC: "Sarver is a serious player with superb credentials. He is a very well-funded, long-term investor with an impeccable 30-year business pedigree.
"He knows what it takes to make major sports clubs successful and would bring a tremendous track record to Rangers."
The Rangers saga gathered momentum last week when the Three Bears and King snapped up significant shares, taking their total combined holdings to 34 per cent.
Both groups maintain they are not working together but if they are found to be a concert party then they could face sanctions including fines and a referral to the Financial Conduct Authority that has powers to bar people from being directors but also to instruct other professionals - such as lawyers or accountants - not to work with them.
A City source said last night that you "don't mess" with the takeover panel, while another - who has shares in Rangers - added: "There is a fear that if you get on the wrong side of them that it is tantamount to being told you will never work in this town again."
If both King and the Three Bears found common cause they would comprise a clear and present danger to the incumbents on the Rangers board and to Mike Ashley, the Newcastle United owner, who has a strong power base at Ibrox.
Ashley owns 9% of the club and has formed an alliance with the Easdale brothers who hold voting rights for 26% of shares.
The coming week is believed to be crucial for the club with the possibility of the Three Bears consortium making "significant" headway in their bid for power.
However, a full blown takeover battle would take up time and money - both of which are in short supply at a club which needs investment now.
Any developments this week will take place against a backdrop of a financial crisis which was described last night as "deadly serious" by an informed source, raising fears that a cash meltdown is imminent.
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