“THE home of a top football agent who helped seal Kyle Walker’s move to AC Milan was last night at the centre of a drugs raid. Michael Rankine, 40, joined the former Manchester City skipper on his private jet last week as he flew out to sign for the Italian giants. 3 Michael Rankine, above”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
Michael Rankine, 40, joined the former Manchester City skipper on his private jet last week as he flew out to sign for the Italian giants.
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Michael Rankine, above at at Kyle Walker’s unveiling in Milan, was at the centre of a drugs raid
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Rankine also represents Chelsea and England ace Cole PalmerThe ex-footballer was even photographed with the England full-back as he was unveiled to the fans holding up his new number 32 shirt.
But 48 hours after he returned to the UK, a police raid at his home was said to have uncovered more than 90 cannabis plants with a potential street value of £75,000.
They also recovered equipment used to produce the Class B drug.
A source said: “It was a huge shock to everyone after what should have been a triumphant return from Italy.”
They added: “Michael flew out with Kyle in his jet on Thursday. His uncle Mark, who is Kyle’s agent, was also on the flight.
“They got the deal over the line and were jubilant. Michael posed with Kyle for pictures, returned to the UK over the weekend and then on Monday his home was raided by police.”
Rankine, who played as a striker for Doncaster Rovers, Scunthorpe and Bournemouth during a 16-year career, is employed as a consultant for London firm CAA Base.
It represents a host of Premier League footballers such as Tottenham’s Son Heung-min and James Maddison and manager Ange Postecoglu.
On its website, CAA Base said Rankine joined the company in late 2018 after retiring from the game. It adds: “Based in Yorkshire, he helps recruit, manage and guide young professional footballers.”
His ex-pro uncle, Mark, who played for Wolves and Sheffield United, also works for the company.
He represents players including Chelsea and England ace Cole Palmer and Newcastle and former Three Lions defender Kieran Trippier.
Rankine is also a cousin of former Tottenham Hotspur and England star Danny Rose.
South Yorkshire police confirmed in a statement that officers executed a warrant at an address in Doncaster.
The raid happened on a busy residential street in full view of neighbouring families.
Police added: “Following officers entering the property, we discovered a cannabis set-up.”
The Sun contacted CAA for comment. Walker’s loan deal is tipped to lead to a full-time £4million summer move.
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Rankine during his playing days for Scunthorpe in 2005Credit: Getty