SPL may bid for Rangers rights

The possible stripping of trophies is another obstacle which could derail Rangers newco's hopes of a place in the SFA, which has as a condition the acceptance of a 12-month transfer ban originally handed out to Rangers oldco for bringing the game into disrepute.

Before signing the membership agreement with the SFA, the Ibrox club wants the SPL to drop its investigation into alleged dual contracts while the SPL has its own concerns with regards the SFL and Rangers' media rights.

It is believed broadcasters are not keen to sign up to an SPL deal without having access to the Govan club's games.

If Doncaster was unable to bring Rangers' rights to the negotiating table, the SFL would lose out on its annual £2 million ($3.01 million) settlement fee that was agreed in 1999 when the top clubs split from the league to form the SPL.

It is also believed that several top-flight clubs could face financial problems if there is any reduction or delay in the routine £645,000 ($972,208) payment from the SPL which is expected on 6 August.

There has to be a five-way agreement between the SFA, SPL, SFL, old Rangers and new Rangers before any deal is sanctioned and with Ally McCoist's men due to play their first match against Brechin in the Ramsdens Cup next weekend, time is running out.

The SFL's media agents, IMG, has invited bids from interested parties with a Monday deadline and Press Association Sport understands the SPL will be one of the bidders.

Longmuir told Press Association Sport: "We will look at the options we have on Monday and Tuesday.

"If the SPL happen to be one of the bidders we will assess that as well.

"They are at liberty to pitch to us as anyone else.

"I am comfortable that we will get there this week."

The SPL wants an independent commission to rule on whether the Govan club breached regulations with alleged undisclosed payments to players between 2001 and 2010.

Rangers fears an adverse decision could see it stripped of the trophies won during that period.

The Ibrox club and their fans claim they have already been punished enough and manager Ally McCoist said he would 'never accept' stripping the club of titles.

Talks will continue on Monday but the current stand-off does little more than add to the sense of uncertainty and chaos that has enveloped Scottish football in recent months.