Nikica Jelavic set to join Rangers
Rapid Vienna striker Nikica Jelavic is set to sign for Rangers should he pass a medical exam tomorrow with the Scottish Premier League giants.
Manager Walter Smith has been pursuing the player for weeks with the transfer of Jelavic having been held up due to Rapid holding out for a larger fee than the Glasgow club were offering. However, the frontman refused to play in Rapid’s UEFA Europa League tie with Aston Villa today and is now on his way to Glasgow after Rangers finally agreed terms with the Austrian Bundesliga side.
Rapid’s president Rudolf Edlinger indicated that Jelavic had been suspended for his refusal to train with the side as he tried to push through a move to Scotland. He told the club’s website that: "Contrary to all expectations, Nikica Jelavic said today that he did to not want to play for SK Rapid. It is a shock to the entire Rapid family. Rapid is a club with heart and emotion. But if someone on his own at such short notice, says he does not want to play, then he can go because he lets down not only the team but also the whole club. I think that our fans will understand the decision."
Fee agreed for striker
Rangers chief executive Martin Bain told his club’s official website that: "We have agreed a fee with Rapid for Nikica Jelavic and we have also agreed personal terms in principle. He will arrive tomorrow when we will hope to complete these and when he will also undergo a medical."
Should the deal be completed then Jelavic will become Smith’s third signing this summer following the arrival of winger Vladimir Weiss on a season-long loan from Manchester City and striker James Beattie on a two-year deal from fellow English Premier League outfit Stoke City.
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