Rangers players denied clearance

A number of Ibrox players, after advice from their union, PFA Scotland, rejected the chance to transfer their contracts from Rangers to Charles Green's Sevco consortium.

Green rejects the claim that the players are free agents and the former Sheffield United chief executive sent letters to clubs across the UK warning them that the players who objected to the switch to Sevco were in breach of contract.

However, Naismith has moved to Everton, Whittaker has signed for Norwich City and Ness has joined Stoke City.

Northern Irish duo, Davis and Lafferty, are at Southampton and Swiss side Sion respectively.

The Scottish Football Association procedurally cannot complete the international transfer clearance (ITC), as it has to be signed by all parties.

But the association to which the players are affiliated can request temporary registration from FIFA to allow the player to play during the period of arbitration.

PFA Scotland solicitor, Margaret Gribbon, of Bridge Litigation, told Press Association Sport: "It is no surprise. There are objections from Rangers plc and the newco.

"We knew it was going to happen. They were always going to do that and there is a process that now has to be followed.

"We are representing seven players - Steve Davis, Allan McGregor, Rhys McCabe, Sone Aluko, Jamie Ness, Kyle Lafferty and John Fleck.

"At the moment we are assisting two clubs to get clearance from FIFA and our application is being supported by a letters from the English FA and PFA Scotland."

A spokesperson for FIFA told Press Association Sport: "At the time of writing, FIFA does not appear to have been approached by any association with respect to the international clearance of any particular player currently registered with Rangers FC."

Last week Coventry City confirmed the signing of Fleck after reaching an agreement with Green.