Daily Record journalist Keith Jackson has provided an update on the potential takeover of Rangers by the San Francisco 49ers, amid growing speculation that the deal may have stalled.
Jackson, who first broke the story about the American consortium entering advanced talks to purchase the Ibrox club, insisted that despite recent rumours, the deal is still very much alive—though currently entangled in legal negotiations.
“It’s basically disappeared down a legal rabbit hole, which is where it will remain until all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed,” Jackson told the Daily Record.
Reports had emerged in recent days suggesting that the verbal agreement between the two parties may have collapsed. However, Jackson dismissed those claims, saying they contradict the information he has received.
“I know that people will want to put rumours about the thing collapsing or not going through. That flies in the face of everything that I’m being told,” he said.
“All parties remain keen to get it concluded, and I was told to expect that it could or should happen before the end of April. I’m guessing that it should become crystallised one way or another in the next couple of weeks.”
Despite the lack of formal confirmation, interest in finalising the deal remains strong. Jackson also revealed that a representative from the 49ers’ consortium is expected to attend Thursday night’s Europa League tie at Ibrox against Athletic Bilbao.
“I fully expect the 49ers and the American consortium will be represented again on Thursday night at Ibrox,” he added.
While the takeover has not yet been rubber-stamped, all indications suggest negotiations are still moving forward behind the scenes, with clarity expected soon.