Cash-strapped Rangers keen on Ashley investment as Green confirms Toon chief's interest

|

UPDATED:

11:31 GMT, 10 August 2012

Rangers chief executive Charles Green is hopeful Mike Ashley will become one of three billionaire investors in newco Rangers.

Newcastle owner Ashley is interested in buying a stake in the Irn-Bru Third Division Club along with two other significant investors.

And when asked whether the Sports Direct magnate will invest in the club, Green told Sky Sports News: 'Hopefully, yes.'

Opportunity: Newcastle owner Mike Ashley wants a piece of the Rangers pie

Staying positive: Ally McCoist continues to fight against the tide at Rangers

Meanwhile, Craig Beattie has denied his wage demands were responsible for a proposed move to Rangers falling through.

The former Celtic and Hearts striker held talks with McCoist and Green over a move to the Irn-Bru Third Division club.

But Rangers signed forwards Francisco Sandaza and Kevin Kyle and Beattie's move did not materialise, with the Scotland international claiming Green did not share McCoist's enthusiasm for a deal to be done.

Beattie told the Daily Record: 'There seems to be a perception the deal fell through because I was holding out for more money – and that could not be further from the truth.

'I was prepared to drop down the divisions not to make a fast buck but because I wanted to be a part of something big.

'I wanted to play my part in getting Rangers back to the top of the Scottish game.'

Beattie added: 'I spoke to Ally and was under the impression he really wanted me on board and that excited me. But in the end, it became obvious he and Green were not on the same wavelength. I don't want to say any more than that.'