Judge to rule on dispute between Rangers and Mike Ashley

A HIGH Court judge is preparing to rule on a row between bosses at Rangers and Sports Direct and Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.

The dispute centres on a deal through which a company within the Sports Direct group sells replica Rangers kit and other branded products.

Mr Justice Phillips analysed evidence at a High Court hearing in London on Tuesday.

He is due to announce his decision on Wednesday.

The judge was told that the agreement between SDI Retail Services and bosses at the Glasgow football club was close to expiring.

SDI bosses want to stop Rangers entering into a new deal with a “third party”.

They say a contract clause means they should have a chance to match any new offer.

Bosses at Rangers dispute their claim.

Earlier this month, a judge made a holding order temporarily barring bosses at Rangers from signing a new deal.

Mr Justice Phillips heard arguments, from lawyers representing both sides, about whether that order should be extended.