THE branding of billionaire Mike Ashley's Sports Direct chain is now featuring on Rangers' megastore at Ibrox.
The development has occurred ahead of an announcement by Rangers and Sports Direct of the terms of their planned merchandising joint venture.
It comes hard on the heels of Rangers ending a previous merchandising arrangement with JJB Sports.
The Herald revealed earlier this month that Newcastle United owner Mr Ashley was in talks with Rangers chief executive Charles Green about buying a stake of up to 10% in the club and forming a joint venture to sell the club's replica kit through his Sports Direct stores. Mr Green, confirming the talks two days later, highlighted hopes of bringing £5 million to £10m a year into the club through a tie-up with Sports Direct.
JJB's tie-up with Rangers began in 2006 under Sir David Murray's ownership, when a 10-year licence was granted to design, develop, source and retail all Rangers merchandise.
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