PARAAG MARATHE gave a big hint about Rangers’ takeover – and his place within it – when he was spotted at the Europa League clash with Manchester United.
Now more senior figures close to the potential big buy-in from 49ers Enterprises have been spotted at Gers’ latest away day in the competition.
Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring and could have had a hat-trick[/caption]
Rangers directors and officials took in the 3-1 win over Fenerbahce with special guests among them[/caption]
Back in January’s league phase, Leeds United chairman Marathe – who is also the President of 49ers Enterprises – crossed the Pennines to take in proceedings at Old Trafford.
Alongside him, keeping a keen eye on the action was Gretar Steinsson.
So keen infact, the technical director at both Elland Road and in the San Francisco-based organisation, Steinsson attended another big night in the Light Blues calendar this week – and witnessed the magnificent win over Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce on Thursday.
Our pictures show the former Icelandic international in the stands again, among the delegation Rangers directors at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
And he is seated alongside would-be Ibrox investor Andrew Cavenagh.
The health insurance tycoon is another key figure in the takeover talks and has also been spotted previously at Ibrox.
On either side of the takeover two is Ibrox director Alastair Johnston and chairman Fraser Thornton.
They watched as two Vaclav Cerny goals followed an early opener from Cyriel Dessers to notch up another memorable Thursday night for Gers in Europe.
It could have been even better, had two tight offside calls against Dessers gone in the Nigerian international’s favour – although Gers did benefit from goal-line technology and an equally tight decision to award the opener in Istanbul.
But sight of the two big-hitters in the stand furthers the tale of the takeover which was ‘agreed in principle’ earlier this week.
When news broke last month excited Rangers fans waved the American stars and stripes flag at Ibrox to ‘welcome’ the incoming group, led by the Leeds chairman.
And though he wasn’t present in Istanbul, Marathe has spoken about the “rumours” of a potential deal.
He was a guest speaker at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit and was quizzed specifically on his firm’s links with Gers.
He said: “I can’t really comment on whatever rumours might be out there. But we are looking at other opportunities. It is doable to replicate the passion (at Leeds).
American investor Andrew Cavenagh (R) was also at Old Trafford with Gretar Steinsson and Paraag Marathe (L) of 49ers Enterprises watching Rangers in January[/caption]
“What we are looking for is clubs with the right bones, history of success and potential for growth.
“And if you are a sports person, and you live it and treat it as a way of life like I do, then absolutely there is enough room in your heart to love all your sports properties, just like there is to love all of your children!”
And on the rumours of Rangers becoming a feeder club, he said: “We always have our eyes and ears open and look at other opportunities.
“Leeds United stands alone, if we were to look at another club that would stand alone. What you can share and do on the sporting side, we haven’t looked at one club as a feeder club.”
The 49ers duo were not the only special guests at the game – and not alone in having a Leeds link either.
Former player Stuart Dallas was pictured in the away end cheering on Barry Ferguson‘s side.
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