Kyle Walker’s football consultant at centre of drugs raid after cops find 90 cannabis plants DAYS after AC Milan deal

THE home of a top football consultant who was involved with 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.

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The 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 football 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 is part of the management teams for players including Chelsea and England ace Cole Palmer and New­castle and former Three Lions defender Kieran Trippier.

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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