Rangers chairman Sir David Murray claims he decided to sanction the possible sale of striker Kris Boyd in order to balance the books. Murray said: "I want to square the books and it was my decision to do so, with the approval of the manager, whether it involved Kris Boyd or anybody else.

"There has been no pressure from the bank, none whatsoever; how can there be if we do not know who is taking over HBOS?

"Kris Boyd has been a debate for years but you are not always able to dispose of a player you want to when you want to.

"We need to get the costs down and with the greatest respect, even if we kept Kris Boyd I do not think there would be any guarantees this season.

"I accept a majority of the fans will be disappointed by Boyd's departure but I hope they look around and see what is happening in society.

"If people do not accept that, then they are not living in the real world."