TALKS are at an advanced stage over a stunning potential takeover of Rangers by cash rich American football side the San Francisco 49ers.

SunSport understands that about the prospect of a multi-million-pound investment in the Ibrox side IS underway.

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Leeds Utd chairman Paraag Marathe – in charge of the NFL giants’ Investment arm, 49ers Enterprises – is one of the key men involved in the proposal, alongside at least one other wealthy US businessman.

The consortium is bidding to become the largest single shareholder in the club.

That would guarantee seats on the board – but the ownership structure of the club is currently complex, with Dave King owning 13 per cent and Douglas Park not far behind with 12 per cent and the likes of George Taylor with just over 10 per cent.

The 49ers are one of the most successful franchises in the history of the NFL.

It is run by the York family – listed by Forbes Magazine as having a net worth of around six billion dollars.

49ers Enterprises purchased a 15 per cent stake in the Elland Road outfit in 2018, but now own the club outright.

That’s something that could come into play as regards the SFA’s rules on dual ownership – but it’s something which is becoming more and more common.

Bill Foley’s Black Knight’s consortium – which runs Bournemouth – has a 25% stake in Hibs.

And Ineos owner Jim Ratcliffe essentially is able to operate the full football department at Man Utd although he only has just under 29% of the entire club’s shareholding.

The 49ers interest in the Ibrox side comes at a time of increasing investment from US businessmen – and sports figures in particular – in the Scottish game.

Tom Brady is the co-owner of a Birmingham City side which has many ex-Gers stars on the payroll in the form of Scott Wright, Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell.

JJ Watt is a minority investor in a Burnley side which currently sits third in the EFL Championship table.

The Lowdown: The San Francisco 49ers

Everything you need to know about the San Francisco 49ers

1. Founded: Established in 1946 as part of the AAFC; joined the NFL in 1949.
2. Team Name Origin: Named after the prospectors of the 1849 California Gold Rush.
3. Location: Based in the San Francisco Bay Area; home games played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
4. Team Colours: Red, gold, and white, representing the Gold Rush heritage.
5. Super Bowl Success: Five-time Super Bowl champions (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1994 seasons).
6. Key Players in History: Legends include Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, and Ronnie Lott.
7. Hall of Fame: Many inductees, including Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young.
8. The West Coast Offence: Known for popularising Bill Walsh’s innovative passing strategy in the 1980s.
9. Rivalries: Major rivalries with the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams.
10. Community Impact: Active in charity and youth programmes through the 49ers Foundation.

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