US billionaire Donald Trump considered buying Rangers

As former Sheffield United chief executive Charles Green gets ready to take over at Rangers Football Club, it has come to light that billionaire businessman Donald Trump “walked away” from a deal to buy the debt stricken club.

Trump, who is building a golf course and resort at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire, backed out of investing in the Ibrox side because of the depth of the club’s financial problems.

A source close to Trump told the Press and Journal: “We looked seriously and walked away.

“It just did not make sense to us, although they are a great club.

“We hope someone steps in and builds the team again.”

George Sorial, Trump Organisation’s executive vice-president, said the American was keen to strengthen his links in Scotland.

He said: “We are committed to Scotland and will always be evaluating opportunities to support our business and the interests of Scotland.”

Former Sheffield United chief executive Charles Green is fronting a consortium which has been named as the preferred bidder for the Ibrox club.

Rangers’ administrator Duff and Phelps said they accepted Mr Green’s £8.5m offer for the club and entered into a “binding contract” with him for Rangers which will be completed on June 6, the date administrators hope to put a proposed company voluntary agreement (CVA) to creditors worth up to £134m.

Duff and Phelps would not confirm Trump’s interest in buying the Ibrox club.

A spokesman said: “All bids and all those in the Green consortium are covered under the non-disclosure agreement.”