Football: BROWNED OFF; Murray: Why we couldn't afford to sign Scott.

Byline: By MARK GUIDI

SIR David Murray last night revealed Rangers couldn't afford to sign Scott Brown - because he would have blown apart their wage structure.

The Ibrox supremo broke his silence on losing this summer's multi-million pound transfer battle with Celtic for Hibs' star midfielder.

Murray said he wasn't prepared to shell out on Brown's wage packet of around pounds 1.2million per year, fearing it would have divided Gers' dressing-room.

He said: "We don't want to be upsetting players with one young Scot earning much more than the rest. We could have afforded the fee to Hibs of pounds 4.5million while the agent's fee would have taken that to around pounds 5m. But we wouldn't pay the wages for Brown."

Instead, the 22-year-old midfielder signed a five-year contract at Parkhead - but chairman Murray defended the club's stance as they attempt to wrest back the SPL title from the Hoops.

In an explosive interview, Murray also challenged Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston over the Stevie Naismith transfer.

And he revealed he has discussed selling his share in Rangers with several interested parties.

Murray said: "If what has been reported is accurate, then Brown is on pounds 25,000 per week at Celtic with around pounds 3000 or pounds 4000 on top in appearance money.

"That means it is a package of around pounds 14m or pounds 15m.

"If Celtic want to pay that, it's their decision. But we must have parity with our Scottish players in terms of wages.

"Do you think the Scottish players would sign new contracts if they knew one of the other lads was earning more than twice their wages?

"The way we work is a young Scot will start at around pounds 3000 per week then move up to around pounds 7000.

"If he becomes a regular he can earn up to pounds 12,000 - or pounds 16,000 per week if you include bonuses.

"We have good young Scottish players in Allan McGregor, Alan Hutton, Charlie Adam and Kris Boyd and it is encouraging to have John Fleck and Andrew Shinnie coming through.

"There's a change of emphasis at this club. But I never thought at any time we had Brown signed.

"I'm too experienced to ever think that until you have their name signed on the dotted line."

Naismith is one young Scot that Murray would like to add but he hammered home that Rangers' bid of around pounds 1.5m was now off the table.

Kilmarnock won't budge on their pounds 2m valuation for the young striker (below).

Celtic, Hibs and Hearts have been linked with the player but Murray asked: "We keep hearing there are several clubs in for him so why don't Killie accept a bid from somewhere?

"We respect Kilmarnock. We made one offer then increased it. That offer has now been withdrawn.

"We would like to have Steven at the club. We'd be buying potential."

Rangers will this week announce their latest balance sheet, with a debt in the region of pounds 12m - double that of a year ago.

Murray is comfortable with the figures, however he also insisted he'd be happy to sell the club if the right buyer came along.

He said: "There's been a few nibbles. I've been on the dancefloor with a few parties but it's not been right.

"If the right person can take Rangers to a higher level, and I'm confident my legacy and the club's future are in good hands, I'll sell. I don't want to do this forever."

DEAL OF DEALS: PAGES 82-85