Rangers handed '£2.8m' transfer boost amid controversial Celtic update today - expert
Rangers can use the money earned from their planned friendly with Celtic in Australia for later this year to boost their transfer kitty.
That is the view of ex-Premier League and England full-back Danny Mills, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the controversial Old Firm plans.
It was announced last week the two teams will take part in the Sydney Super Cup with Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers while the Scottish Premiership is on a mid-season break because of the World Cup in Qatar.
Aussie outlet Roar reported last Thursday (3 March) Celtic are set to net AU$11million (£6.1million) while Rangers will only make AU$5million (£2.8million).
A Rangers spokesperson today (9 March), via the Scotsman, refuted these claims and insisted both clubs would receive the same fee.
The tournament has been marketed as a homecoming for Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou who is an extremely popular figure in Australia after leading his country to the 2014 World Cup.
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“Everyone does this sort of thing now,” Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“We’ve seen it in the past with pre-season tours or whatever it might be.
“If they get paid to go over there and with the commercial deals it’s far more beneficial to the club.
“It’s always happened and it’s always likely to happen and sadly the fans are always thought about last.
“However, it’s still only friendly so I’m not sure how many fans will turn up to a friendly anyhow. They won’t miss a league game or an important cup tie.
“It’s a mid-season friendly, I wouldn’t look too much beyond that.
“It makes financial sense, it’s a really good decision. If that means you can strengthen the squad in other areas then it’s definitely a good decision.”
In other news, an ex-Fifa official has fired a stark warning to Rangers and Celtic over confirmed plans after the latest twist last week.