RANGERS last night refused to comment on reports that they will be able to take on loan as many as nine Newcastle players in a deal whereby the Barclays Premier League side's owner, Mike Ashley, will buy a share in the Ibrox club.
BBC Scotland yesterday reported that Ashley's Sports Direct firm were ready to take over Rangers' replica kit merchandising operation as part of the deal and that the SFA are ready to ratify the move on the condition Ashley owns no more than 10% of Rangers and has no personal role in running the club.
JJB Sports entered a 10-year merchandising contract in 2006 with Rangers, when the Glasgow club received an initial payment of £18m with a guaranteed minimum annual £3m, but negotiations are thought to be under way with a view to ending their retail contract. The club are understood to be scouting Newcastle players, but any players switching to Rangers on loan would have to join before the end of this month, when a year-long signing embargo comes into operation.
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