Ashley Buys Into Rangers!

08 August 2012 10:00
Mike Ashley is in advanced 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 its replica kit through his Sports Direct stores.

A deal between Newcastle United owner Mr Ashley and Mr Green is expected to be completed within days.

Ashley's near-69% stake in Sports Direct, which has defied the economic downturn – as rivals including JJB Sports have struggled – is worth more than £1.2 billion.

One source said the price of a 10% stake in Rangers would be "like chicken feed" to Mr Ashley. In 2006, when Rangers was owned by Sir David Murray, JJB signed a £48 million deal to sell the Old Firm club's merchandise on an exclusive basis over the next 10 years.

Source: FOOTYMAD