Rangers bidder ´optimistic´ on takeover

Property developer Andrew Ellis said Monday he was “optimistic” that his proposed takeover of newly-crowned Scottish champions Rangers will move closer to completion this month.

The Gers secured their second straight Premier League title title last week, despite being just under 30 million pounds (46 million dollars, 35 million euros) in debt and under investigation by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs over a tax issue relating to offshore accounts.

Doubts also remain over the long-term futures of boss Walter Smith and his assistants Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall.

Smith has been unable to buy a new player for nearly two years and the management trio have been working without contracts since January.

Ahead of the final Auld Firm derby of the season away to Glasgow rivals Celtic at Parkhead on Tuesday, Ellis claimed that if his reported 33-million-pound takeover bid goes through, he will offer Smith a new contract.

He will also offer the role of life president to the club’s owner David Murray.

“The bid includes all the club’s debt and I’m optimistic there will be serious developments in the next three to four weeks,” Ellis told Sky Sports television.

“Should I gain control of the club I intend to offer Walter a new contract as his experience and knowledge is invaluable both to me and the club.

“It is only fitting that former chairman Sir David Murray should be offered the role of life president as what he has done for the club can never be forgotten.”