Costs of botched Rangers case set to exceed £100m

The failed probe into the club prompted a public inquiry and payouts of more than £40 million to individuals who were maliciously prosecuted.

Duff & Phelps, now renamed Kroll, is seeking the largest payment yet from the Crown Office. Seven men were charged with offences relating to the takeover of the club but were later cleared.

“They are seeking £80 million,” a source close to the case said. “That plus interest and legal costs would take it to more than £100 million.”

Negotiations are expected to begin next month and are to be conducted by mediation firm Core, founded by John Sturrock QC.

Dean of Faculty, Roddy Dunlop QC, is acting for Kroll and previously disclosed that his client was seeking a “substantial” sum.

Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservative community safety spokesman, said: “Not a single person in Police Scotland, Crown Office or judiciary has been held to account for this damaging and costly scandal.”