Rangers fans are hoping a change of ownership will be confirmed in the coming weeks despite fears their takeover deal could collapse.
The 49ers Enterprises-backed group is understood to have agreed a deal in principle to take the reins at Ibrox.
The US consortium, which includes Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe and health insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh, is looking to secure a majority takeover and wants control of the boardroom by buying at least 51 per cent of the club’s shares.
Rangers fans have expressed takeover concerns after there has been few updates around the progress of the deal in recent weeks.
However, there is currently no reason to suggest the deal is on the verge of collapse as the legal work continues over an agreement.
Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider Rangers’ takeover could be completed before the end of April as they look to begin a new era as quickly as possible.
Former chairman Dave King is currently the largest shareholder in the Scottish giants at 13 per cent, with various other stakeholders owning minority interests.
Rangers takeover fears eased after Leeds promotion update
Rangers have endured a largely disappointing season despite making it through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
The competition remains their only hope of claiming silverware as they currently sit 13 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership and are out of the Scottish Cup.
However, perhaps Leeds’ results could be just as important to Rangers as their own over the coming weeks after a new takeover fear has emerged.
The Sun reported on Tuesday (8 April) the English Football League (EFL) has restrictions in place that would prevent the 49ers deal from going through should Leeds remain in the Championship.
Under the EFL regulations governing associations between clubs, the “prior written consent of the board” is required for a club to be involved in any capacity in the management and administration of another club, which includes the SPFL.
Leeds had been on a wretched run of form heading into their fixture against Middlesbrough on Tuesday, having fallen out of the promotion places after winning just one of their previous six games.
But Daniel Farke’s side returned to the top of the table after claiming a 1-0 victory at the Riverside Stadium to boost their promotion hopes and ease any potential fears among the Rangers fans their takeover deal could collapse.
Although there are likely to be ways around the EFL’s regulations, the deal should be more straightforward to conclude if Leeds secure a return to the Premier League in the coming weeks.
| Position | Club | GP | Pts | GD |
| 1 | Leeds United | 41 | 85 | +52 |
| 2 | Burnley | 41 | 85 | +43 |
| 3 | Sheffield United | 41 | 83 | +25 |
Rangers manager update emerges at Ibrox
Rangers aren’t expected to make a manager appointment until the end of this season after Barry Ferguson took on the role on an interim basis following Philippe Clement’s sacking in February.
The former Gers captain’s chances of landing the job permanently were dealt a blow following his side’s 2-0 defeat to Hibernian on 5 April.
Rangers are now preparing to face Athletic Bilbao in their Europa League quarter-final tie, with the first leg taking place at Ibrox on Thursday (10 April).
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The post ‘Rangers handed 49ers takeover boost after Leeds United twist’ appeared first on Football Insider.
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