POLICE who are probing takeovers at Rangers Football Club have searched the headquarters of Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley's Sports Direct company.

Mr Ashley, who has  has control of the club's retail operations, holds a near nine per cent stake in the Ibrox club.

"We can confirm that officers carried out a search of a property in Derbyshire," a Police Scotland spokesman is reported as saying.

"As this is part of a live inquiry, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

A spokesman for Sports Direct confirmed the raid, saying: "The premises of Sports Direct at Shirebrook were visited by Police Scotland conducting an investigation relating to Glasgow Rangers FC and various persons previously employed by and or associated with Rangers.

“The police investigation is not directed at Sports Direct or at any of its directors or employees. The police were seeking documentation which might assist the investigation.

“Sports Direct has co-operated fully and will continue to co-operate in the provision of information that the police request."

More to follow