Rangers close in on deal
HOPES were rising last night that a deal could be struck between Rangers players and administrators to avoid significant job losses at Ibrox.
Talks went on throughout the day at Murray Park after both parties reconvened to discuss proposals from the players over helping the club make savings without job losses.
But some players are expected to depart whatever the final outcome as Swedish midfielder Mervan Celik is believed to have agreed to leave.
Scotland Under-21 international Gregg Wylde has also offered to quit the club.
Tired
Wylde arrived at Rangers’ training ground in mid-afternoon after it emerged that he had offered to walk.
The 20-year-old, who has made 47 appearances for the club, explained: “I wanted to help out the club by keeping people in a job.
“I was so tired I couldn’t really sleep at night. It was getting to me so I thought I would leave.”
Celik (right) only arrived at the club in January under freedom of contract from Swedish side GAIS, although they were due a transfer fee.
Top earners at the club are believed to be considering wage cuts of 75 per cent for a period of time, with cuts of 25-50 per cent for those lower down the wage structure.
Goalkeeper Allan Mcgregor is among the highest-paid players, having signed a six-year deal last summer, and he denied, through his solicitor, that he had refused to take a cut.
In a statement, Margaret Gribbon of Bridge Litigation said: “Contrary to some media reports Allan has not refused to accept a salary reduction.
“These allegations are false and Allan has instructed me to make clear if these allegations are reported as fact he will have no option but to resort to legal action. “Allan, along with many of his fellow players, is committed to making personal salary sacrifices to ensure the club survives.
“Allan has and will continue to extend his full co-operation with the administrators.”
On-loan Arsenal player Kyle Bartley said: “All the players who will be taking wage cuts or leaving will be saving people’s jobs.”