Rangers Make Bid for Rapid Vienna Striker
Scottish Premier League (SPL) champions Rangers are eagerly awaiting to hear if their offer for Rapid Vienna striker Nikica Jelavic has been accepted by the Austrian Bundesliga side.
With Kris Boyd having left for English Football League Championship outfit Middlesbrough, manager Walter Smith is in need of a big centre-forward to replace the SPL’s all-time leading goalscorer. Despite having Honduran Georgie Welcome on trial this week, Smith has pinpointed the Croatian international as his number one target to fill Boyd’s boots.
Jelavic wants transfer
Rapid Vienna have so far resisted Rangers’ advances for the 24-year-old, and Jelavic has spoken of his wish to join the Glasgow giants. He was reported as saying that: "I was informed about Rangers' interest in me and I really want to go. Rapid are a great side and I have enjoyed my time here but I have paid them back well with goals and I deserve the chance to go. It has always been my dream to play in Britain and Rangers are a big club with tradition. I would love to play there."
Jelavic has featured for Rapid Vienna in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa League, but he will still be eligible to play for Rangers in the Champions League. Although Rangers are looking for a quick reply to their offer for the player, Jelavic has been vital to Rapid Vienna’s hopes of progressing to the Europa League proper, having scored four times and provided an assist in six qualifying games.
The Austrian side have progressed to the playoffs of the competition after beating Beroe 4-1 on aggregate in their third qualifying round clash. With the Austrian side set to play those crucial games on August 19th and 26th, they may wish to hold on to Jelavic while they bid to reach the lucrative group stages. That would leave little time for the player to make the switch before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.
Jelavic joined Rapid Vienna two seasons ago after signing from Belgian side Zulte Waregem. In his first season, he stayed out of trouble by avoiding any yellow or red cards. However, his second season saw him booked five times while he was also sent off on one occasion. He has scored 25 goals in 67 league games for Rapid Vienna, and netted 21 times in all competitions last season as he helped his club to a third place finish in the league.
The striker has also featured five times for Croatia since making his debut last year, and has scored once for his country.
Georgie Welcome
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