Mike Ashley has lent Rangers a further £1m after their financial crisis was exacerbated by falling attendances.
Ashley recently strengthened his influence on Ibrox by lending the club £2m, a deal which saw chief executive Graham Wallace and director Philip Nash resign and two of the Newcastle owner’s associates arrive in Glasgow.
The club announced to the stock exchange yesterday that the loan had been extended to £3 million while simultaneously revealing they have entered into a marketing agreement with Ashley’s Sports Direct firm.
However, that agreement sees Sports Direct give up its right to re-name Ibrox Stadium.
Soriano delighted by Spain recall
Villarreal captain Bruno Soriano has spoken of his delight at his return to the Spain squad after a prolonged absence.
The 30-year-old midfielder has not featured for the national team since October 2010, but Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has recalled Bruno to his squad after Cesc Fabregas was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Spain host Belarus in tomorrow’s Euro 2016 qualifier before facing Germany in a friendly in Vigo three days later.
“I’ve always said that to be called up to the national team is a reward for hard work,” Bruno said.
“I couldn’t be any happier.”
Prieto welcomes Moyes appointment
Sociedad captain Xabi Prieto claims the team are looking forward to starting work under David Moyes.
Moyes will begin the task of rebuilding his reputation in La Liga after he was appointed by the Basque outfit on Monday, seven months after the ill-fated tenure at Manchester United.
Prieto said the team were looking forward to meeting the Scot.
“It is very difficult to be at a club for many years as David Moyes was at Everton, a sign that he did very well, growing the club and qualifying to play in Europe,” Prieto said.
“We hope that with Sociedad something similar can happen.”
Verratti injured
Italy’s Marco Verratti has been ruled out of next Sunday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Croatia through injury.
The PSG midfielder left Italy’s training headquarters in Coverciano yesterday and will return to Paris to continue to recover from a left adductor strain.
The 22-year-old Verratti is expected to recover in time for PSG’s Champions League match against Ajax on November 25.
Italy host Croatia on Sunday at the San Siro with both teams level at the top of Group H with nine points. Antonio Conte’s side take on Albania two days later in Genoa in a friendly.
Schneiderlin hints at Southampton exit
Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has hinted he could leave the club next summer if they do not qualify for the Champions League.
The France international had looked set for a move away from St Mary’s last summer, only for the club to refuse to let him leave.
The Saints have made a fantastic start to the Premier League season. Schneiderlin, though, is unsure how long he will remain at the club.
The 25-year-old said: “A career passes quickly and I want to play for a big club.
“Today I am at Southampton. We are second in the Premier League, it is going well.
“We’ll see at the end of the season what will happen if we are still in the Champions League places and I will make the choice.
“I will see with my club.”
Everton’s Barry facing long lay-off
Everton said that they still do not know how long midfielder Gareth Barry will be out of action after he sustained a serious ankle injury on Sunday.
Barry, 33, was taken off in a 1-1 draw at Sunderland with what was feared to be a broken leg.
A report on the club website said: “The player’s treatment is ongoing and although it is too early to estimate a length of absence, it is hopeful the time out will be weeks rather than months.
“His ankle is still very swollen, which complicates assessment, but the Everton medical staff have confirmed that there is ligament damage in the area.”
Hosts Chile seeded for 2015 Copa
Hosts Chile have been named along with traditional powers Argentina and Brazil as one of the top three seeds for the 2015 Copa America, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said.
The draw for the tournament, which features all 10 South American nations plus Mexico and Jamaica, will be held on November 24.
CONMEBOL said the second pot will contain Colombia, Uru-guay and Mexico, with Ecuador, Peru and Paraguay in Pot three.
Bolivia, Jamaica and Vene-zuela are in Pot four.
The top two teams in each of the three groups will qualify for the knock-out stage along with the two best-runners up.