RANGERS chairman David Somers has challenged would-be Ibrox 'saviour' Dave King to a face-to-face meeting.

The Rangers board has summoned King to a meeting with Somers after demanding the former director explain his recent statements.

South Africa-based businessman King is expected to fly to Scotland next week for a meeting with fans, but now Somers wants a showdown, too.

King stepped up his bid for boardroom change last Wednesday when he encouraged the Light Blues support to withhold season-ticket cash.

He then followed that up on Saturday with another press release accusing Ibrox chief executive Graham Wallace of insulting the Ibrox faithful.

The 58-year-old intervened after the club were forced to accept a £1.5million loan from investors Sandy Easdale and Laxey Partners.

The ruling regime responded to King's 1500-word statement by accusing him of "destabilising and damaging" the club.

Now Somers has written to King demanding a meeting.

His letter says: "The Board of Rangers International Football Club has noted your astonishing press releases over the past few days. These statements and innuendos are very damaging to the club, which we can only assume is your intention.

"We wish you to attend a meeting to explain your allegations in more detail as soon as possible. Please confirm your availability."

Meanwhile, more questions were raised last night about the board's decision to borrow £500,000 from Sandy Easdale and £1m from Laxey Partners.

Two Rangers shareholders have claimed that they spoke to Daniel Stewart, the nominated advisor to RIFC, offering an alternative loan, only to receive no response.

John McClure, of Unicorn Asset Management, told The Rangers Standard website: "We approached Daniel Stewart on February 20 to discuss reports that a loan was being considered.

"The next thing we knew, the loan had been announced. We were never given the opportunity to offer formal terms.

"Daniel Stewart asked if we could provide the money that day but obviously that wasn't possible.We told them we would need a few days, which is perfectly reasonable in a transaction of that size, but they seem to have pressed ahead regardless."

George Letham, a Scottish businessman, said that he was prepared to offer the £1m made available by Laxey Partners, the largest single shareholder in RIFC.

He said: "If I had been offered even half of Laxey's interest rate with the security being given, I would have provided the whole loan myself in a heartbeat."

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