Rangers could be about to emulate the footsteps of Manchester City, Chelsea and more in the world of transfer recruitment - after director Alistair Johnston stated that Patrick Stewart's opening task would be to pursue a multi-club partnership with clubs abroad at the club's AGM.
Shareholders flocked to the Clyde Auditorium on Thursday afternoon, with Philippe Clement's future, transfer budget queries and more on the agenda, with the Gers largely having struggled on the domestic scene this season.
But it was a positive notion from Johnston that stole the headlines, with the ex-Gers chair stating that the club could be set to follow in City's footsteps in a bid to secure young talents from across the globe on the cheap.
City have links to sides from France, Australia, United States, Italy and more - and they have more than reaped the rewards with the likes of Savinho joining their squad from sister club Troyes, with plenty more going on loan to the affiliated sides.
Even in Scotland, clubs such as Dundee, Hearts and Hibs have partnerships with Burnley, Brighton and Bournemouth respectively - but Rangers could be open to that possibility, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of Manchester United and OGC Nice - who Rangers recently beat in the Europa League - laying down the gauntlet to Johnston about a potential partnership.
Speaking ahead of Stewart's official start in just under two weeks' time, Johnston said via the Daily Record: "We were in Nice last week. I had lunch along with several of my friends, fellow directors and officers.
“And the owner there was Jim Radcliffe who, through his company. has authority of Manchester United. But he basically owns everything else. We're looking right now at different issues as to whether or not club formations can be a pathway for us.
“For example, everybody knows Manchester City's got clubs under its umbrella. I think that's one we may be looking at more carefully. In terms of the new CEO coming in from Manchester United, I would look for him to provide a lot of advice in that regard, and how we basically improve our bottom line by collaborating.”
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