Rangers are in advanced talks with the US-backers of NFL giants the San Francisco 49ers as the group targets a sweeping Ibrox takeover.
Reports emerged this week that Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe is playing a key role as a US consortium closes in on the keys to Ibrox Stadium.
But it’s not only the NFL giants who’ve got a vested interest in what is happening at Rangers, with English Championship side Leeds United involved and Austrian energy drinks giants Red Bull also waiting in the wings.
Here’s the latest on the Rangers takeover as the Ibrox side look to secure much-needed fresh investment.
Paraag Marathe to stay put amid Rangers takeover
Rangers News have learned that whilst Paraag Marathe is playing a role in the 49ers takeover at Rangers, the American sports chief will not take on the role of chairman at Ibrox.
The Gers have recently appointed Fraser Thornton as non-executive chairman but Marathe, who is the chairman of Leeds United, will not take on a similar role at Ibrox.
Rangers continue to go through an executive restructure with new CEO Patrick Stewart admitting the club are looking to bring on a sporting director in Glasgow.
Interestingly, the 49ers investment is seen to be working in tandem with their £170m takeover of Leeds United in 2023.
This could result in links between Rangers and Leeds United over the coming seasons as the US firm look to establish a foothold in British football.
The two clubs are believed to be a ‘good fit’ together with Leeds holding ambitions to return to the top of the Premier League and Rangers likewise in Scotland.
Red Bull watching Rangers situation closely
Red Bull are also closely monitoring the situation at Rangers with a view to potentially adding the Ibrox side to the Red Bull network.
The Austrian energy drinks giant boasts a global multi-club partnership with clubs in Germany, Austria, New York and Brazil.
Back in May, Red Bull took a minority stake in Leeds United in a move which Paraag Marathe described as a ‘historic milestone’ as the club looks to return to the Premier League.
With Marathe and the 49ers having close links to Red Bull, Rangers News understands the Austrians are watching the situation at Ibrox closely with a view to investing down the line.
It is not believed that Red Bull are part of the American consortium which is in ‘advanced’ talks to takeover at Rangers.
Remarkably, back on April Fools’ Day in 2018 Red Bull teased Rangers fans by joking that they’d agreed a new shirt sponsorship and investment deal with Rangers.
Seven years on and that joke doesn’t look so funny anymore with a distinct possibility that the Austrians might actually be ready to stump up some cash.
