Billionaire businessman Donald Trump “walked away” from a deal to buy Rangers Football Club.

Trump, who is building a golf course and resort at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire, backed out of investing in the Ibrox side because of the depth of the club’s financial problems.

A source close to Trump told the Press and Journal: “We looked seriously and walked away.

“It just did not make sense to us, although they are a great club.

“We hope someone steps in and builds the team again.”

George Sorial, Trump Organisation’s executive vice-president, said the American was keen to strengthen his links in Scotland.

He said: “We are committed to Scotland and will always be evaluating opportunities to support our business and the interests of Scotland.”

Former Sheffield United chief executive Charles Green is fronting a consortium which has been named as the preferred bidder for the Ibrox club.

Rangers’ administrator Duff and Phelps said they accepted Mr Green’s £8.5m offer for the club and entered into a “binding contract” with him for Rangers which will be completed on June 6, the date administrators hope to put a proposed company voluntary agreement (CVA) to creditors worth up to £134m.

Duff and Phelps would not confirm Trump’s interest in buying the Ibrox club.

A spokesman said: “All bids and all those in the Green consortium are covered under the non-disclosure agreement.”

People who read this story also read

• Rangers crisis: Financial adviser behind Green's consortium named
• Strathclyde Police officer charged with sectarian breach of the peace
• Residents evacuated from city tenement block after wheelie bin fire
• Train signalling problems cause rush hour delays for Glasgow commuters
• Two escape flat blaze after 'flammable liquid put through letterbox'