Paraag Marathe has insisted he remains “very, very involved” at Rangers despite stepping down as vice-chairman earlier this year, and has opened the door to future transfer business with Leeds United.
The American relinquished his position on the Ibrox board in February alongside fellow 49ers Enterprises figure Gene Schneur following discussions over UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
Rangers were quick to stress at the time that the move would not impact the US group’s financial backing or influence at the club.
And Marathe, who continues as Leeds United chairman, has now underlined that his role at Rangers remains unchanged behind the scenes. Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, he said: “Same involvement. Very, very involved. I’m very interested, I’m very passionate about it.
“There was the MCO rules, things that sort of prevented official board status for the moment, and that could change back too. But very much still involved the same.”
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Marathe also admitted he would welcome the prospect of players moving between Rangers and Leeds, both owned by 49ers Enterprises, if the right opportunities arise. He said: “Definitely, because we can maybe help influence the players’ opportunity and ability to play.
“Make sure we know the system fits, make sure we know the medical performance side is good for him, the coach, because we have more knowledge of it all, as opposed to sending a player off and not knowing how it’s going to look.
“But ultimately it also takes three – the player has to want to go to the other club. We’re not forcing just because we’re part of both clubs, operating both clubs, we’re not forcing a player to, or forcing the other club to take him.
“So they also have to want him. There were one or two opportunities last season that would have made sense, but in the end the player didn’t want to go. But there would have been an opportunity.
"There could have been an opportunity, and hopefully, or maybe there is one in the future too.”
