Although Europa League action is still in play, supporters at Ibrox will have one eye on the future as they hope for the 49ers Enterprises to finally complete their takeover of the club.

Keith Jackson makes takeover admission

After a dismal season for Rangers, the news that the 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh wanted to complete a takeover came as a welcome announcement for supporters.

The American investors already have football teams in their portfolio with Leeds United showing where the ambition can get you, sitting at the top of the Championship table.

Although Philippe Clement was well below the expected levels for a Light Blues boss and rightfully was let go as a result, those further up the chain cannot escape their share of the blame.

Should Cavanagh and Paraag Marathe acquire control of the Glasgow side, there is expected to be more investment that could put the Bears in a position set up for long-term success.

However, Keith Jackson has warned that supporters should not get too far ahead of themselves, suggesting there will be a wait for success.

Writing in the Daily Record (14 April), he said: “Of course, Andrew Cavenagh and his associates from the San Francisco 49ers will have their own ideas about becoming disruptors but, even though the American consortium might be coming, the smart money says nothing much is likely to change over the course of the next 12 months.

“Because Brendan Rodgers and his squad is already so far ahead of the race for next season that no amount of new money and fresh thinking from across the pond is likely to make any discernible difference to the bigger picture.

“To be frank, Cavenagh and his legal team are making it more difficult with each day that passes without the paperwork being signed, sealed and rubber stamped on this impending takeover.”

Rangers need takeover confirmation

Those inside Ibrox will be looking towards the future with optimism, and after a torrid time of late, the possibility of new investment is certainly an exciting one.

However, as Jackson points out, the Gers are in a position of limbo as it stands and no plans for the summer transfer window can really be put into place yet.

Barry Ferguson is the man at the helm until the end of the campaign, although he is not expected to be retained permanently, with no idea of who it could be.

This means there may be no one inside Ibrox currently who can make any early decisions about certain players and contracts. Meanwhile, their Old Firm rivals will be looking ahead already.

Even if it does take the Light Blues some time to catch up with Celtic, there is no doubt that Rangers will have better prospects with investment, and therefore, it has to be worth it.

Any news of Cavenagh getting closer to completing a deal, though, would be very welcome news in Glasgow.