Rangers board respond to mega-money American takeover plot as Dave King shows united front

Rangers chiefs have been left bemused by reports a group of mystery American investors are considering ploughing millions into the club.

It was claimed today that a Stateside consortium were hoping to persuade some of the club’s major shareholders to sell their stakes having come up with a £150million valuation for the Light Blues. But Record Sport understands the report in the London-based financial outlet CityAm has come as news to chairman John Bennett and his Gers directors. We’ve spoken with a number of the Light Blues’ significant stakeholders, who have each insisted there’s been no talks over the possibility of selling their shares and handing over a minority stake.

Former boardroom boss Dave King - the club’s largest single shareholder - has been looking to flog off his 14 percent slice for the last four years. But he also shot down the claims as he backed Bennett to continue leading the club. The South Africa-based tycoon said in a statement: “There is no truth whatsoever to the rumour that a USA billionaire - or anyone - has expressed any interest in acquiring Rangers.

“The club is going through a difficult phase that was largely self-inflicted and commenced with Douglas Park refusing to back Steven Gerrard’s ambition to kick on from 55. Self interest should never be put ahead of our club. I am hoping that John Bennett turns things around. I know he will do everything in his power to do so.”

This isn’t the first time Bennett’s board have been faced with rumours of a US takeover. American businesswoman Kyle Fox and her KRF Capital firm launched a bold move last year seeking to buy a controlling 75 percent stake, only to be rebuffed when the Ibrox directors refused to negotiate.