Rangers have quelled fears over Sports Direct's affiliation with their new Castore kit deal - insisting 'no other company' is party to the 'direct agreement'.

Fans had outlined concerns after Sports Direct told on social media that they would be 'exclusively' selling the new home kits from August 1. However, in a statement published last night, Rangers maintained that they are in partnership only with Castore.

They explained that the sportswear brand had, indeed, form wholesale arrangements for the supply of the 2020/21 gear as part of their deal. But they stressed the club would earn money on all products sold through the agreement - including through high street sales. "Rangers & Castore are delighted to confirm the new Ibrox Retail Store will officially open on 1st August 2020, which will be operated by Castore as the clubs official retail partner," it read.

"The new Rangers Ibrox Retail Store will be complimented with a number of other key retail sites in Glasgow and further afield, now identified by Castore and Rangers and close to agreement. The Ibrox Retail Store will undergo a £250,000 renovation and become a key venue for all Rangers supporters and on matchdays will be supported with further pop up stores within the Stadium.

"Following today’s unveiling of the 2020/21 home jersey, Rangers continues to look forward to their long term exclusive partnership with Castore, which, for the avoidance of doubt, is a direct agreement between those two companies with no other persons party to the deal.

"As previously stated, it offers a fresh start for the Club and a chance to purchase high quality clothing and other products that directly benefit Rangers. As is common practice in teamwear retail, Castore will form a number of wholesale supply arrangements with high street retailers in the UK and overseas because that is key to the global aspirations of both Castore and Rangers but the purpose of these arrangements will always be to maximise the availability and sales channels for Rangers products.

"Rangers exclusive partnership with Castore ensures that Rangers always directly benefits with a royalty from the sale of all of the Rangers products manufactured, distributed and retailed by Castore. This includes all products distributed by Castore to high street retailers."