In May we reported that Steven Naismith could be leaving Rangers. Now Everton are keeping a close eye on the latest developments, as Nace (to his mates) bids to become a free agent. To pair up with Nikica Jelavic again could be on the cards.
The 25-year-old does not wish to be part of the 'Newco' club at Ibrox, and alongside team-mate Steven Whittaker after consulting with Scotland's Professional Football Association, announced that he wants a fresh start.
Charles Green consortium, who bought Rangers' assets have warned off potential suitors for the players with threats they would pursue damages.
A statement from Simon Catto of HBJ Gateley said: "Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker are formally intimating their objection to becoming employed by the transferee.
"Accordingly, Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker will not be attending for training or any other meeting next week and consider themselves to be under no contractual obligations to any party. They consider they are not employed by any party and are free to consider any employment options they wish."
Naismith said: "I have discussed this decision with my fiancee, my family and my advisers. It has been an extremely difficult decision to make but I believe it is the right decision.
"As players we were put in a difficult position by the administrators whereby we were asked to take a 75% pay cut to contracts that we entered into in good faith.
"As players we collectively saw this as the only way to get Rangers out of administration by way of a CVA and thereby protect the staff jobs and the history of the club and give the creditors who had also entered into contracts with Rangers in good faith the best chance of being paid.
"Both Steven and I and our agent fought hard with administrators during negotiations to insert clauses that offered protection to staff and players at the club. I am extremely proud of the actions we took but I am disappointed and angry that Rangers no longer exists in its original form.
"I am proud of the success we achieved during my time including three SPL titles, a Scottish Cup and two Scottish League Cups.
"Finally I would like to thank the fans for all their backing. Everyone knows I am a lifelong Rangers supporter and so I share in the disappointment and anger of what has happened to the great Rangers Football Club."
Charles Green said: "The club is facing massive challenges in terms of its league status and the last thing the fans want to see is a dispute between the club and players.
"However, it appears that is the route several players are choosing. I can assure those players and clubs who may be interested in signing them that Rangers will seek damages for breach of contract and for inducement to break contracts."
"When the players agreed to take wage cuts earlier this year they renegotiated their contracts to allow them to leave for reduced values.
"That was a sensible quid pro quo and meant that the club would still get some transfer value for them should they leave. What is happening now is that the players want to leave for nothing, thereby denying the club any transfer value at all. At the same time, players who are ready to breach their contracts want to secure handsome signing on fees for other clubs, while Rangers get nothing."
There is still along way to go in this scenario. What do you think?
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