Nikica Jelavic (Glasgow Rangers)

Jelavic flattered by Reds link
Gers frontman unaware of any solid interest

By Jure Bohoric
Last Updated: January 4, 2012 4:07pm

Sought-after Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic admits he is flattered by speculation linking him to Liverpool and finds the idea of an Anfield move appealing.

The Gers top-scorer is believed to have attracted interest from the Premier League after impressing at Ibrox, with QPR also thought to be monitoring him.

Croatian Jelavic, who is contracted in Glasgow until summer 2014, admits joining Liverpool would be an attractive prospect but says he knows nothing of their reported interest.

"Of course it is nice to see your name being linked with that kind of club," he told Slobodna Dalmacija. "But I don't know if the rumour is true.

"Liverpool is a big club and anybody would like to play at Anfield but I'm just trying to stay focused on my game."

Jelavic refuses to be distracted by speculation surrounding him, insisting he is concentrating on doing well for Gers.

The 26-year-old, who joined Rangers from Rapid Vienna in 2010, says he is happy at Ibrox but would be open to a move if the SPL reigning champions decided to sell him.

He added: "Every day I read in the papers that some new club is coming to get me but it's funny as I don't know anything about it.

"So I don't mind if a day passes without me looking at the papers. I just want to stay focused for Rangers.

"I love it in Glasgow. I'm contracted here for another two-and-a-half years.

"But, if the club were to sell me to get the money they need, then that would suit me too."

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7410952/

Saw this on SSN earlier was waiting for Mac Red to find a link,

Not a hope will we sign him,from what i'v seen he's very talented but Rangers would want a lot of money,more than he's worth IMO

Might be OK as a backup and worth a punt for a few million, but not the answer to our problems.

Lets not overestimate the SPL, extremely poor league against extremely poor defenses. Very much doubt he would continue his goalscoring record in the EPL.

One thing is for certain, I would take him ahead of Darren Bent. He would cost 1/3 of the price (at most), and would fit our system much better. I have first noticed him when he was still a young player at Hajduk Split, and he was obviously a very talented striker. He was sold prematurely in 2007, because they wanted to make room on the team for Nikola Kalinic, who was an emerging star at the time. Jelavic has suffered some bad times in Belgium and Austria (at first), but he has managed to find his goalscoring form at Rapid Wien, and has earned his transfer to Glasgow Rangers, as well as his place in the Croatian NT. Has this nasty habit of being at the right place, at the right time.

Nikica Jelavic "Magic" All Goals 2010/11 HD

From what I hear this will happen

They paid £4m to sign him in 2010, scored 32 goals in 43 appearances, looks comfortable using both right & left feet, very mobile from what I've seen, would be nice if we could sign him for less than £10m.

My mate, massive Rangers fan, stays next door to him and is back for Christmas. I've asked him to pop round and ask Nikica what is happening. He seems reluctant!

I think we can nab him for about 10 million or so. I know he was linked to United last season he is a big strong lad and has good aerial presence, his performances for the national team have been less then convincing but he is verging on prolific at club level. I read in a Craotian paper a few days ago that our scouts were at the Celtic-Rangers game monitoring him. All in all I think he would offer more than Carroll and Bent has a good "nose" for goal.

Admitted it's first time hear his name but from video Mac_Red posted above I think he's good enough.

I think he could do the job with Suarez. Though i dont think he could do it alone. To me he looks like 1/3 of what Torres looked liked. He has a good finish which is what we need but i dont believe he could make his own chances like what Torres did.
Wouldnt be bad but not for me unless Kuyt leaves and if suarez didnt get banned so at this point i believe we need a world class striker.

Might be OK as a backup and worth a punt for a few million, but not the answer to our problems.

Lets not overestimate the SPL, extremely poor league against extremely poor defenses. Very much doubt he would continue his goalscoring record in the EPL.

I totaly agree. We can't buy a striker and wait/hope he'll finish our chances. We need a "killer" if we still want to play ChL...

To be honest I'm dreading this one - as a Glaswegian (although LFC are my one and only!) on Old Firm days I favour the green side, contrary to sectarian stereotype. I've been giving colleagues and mates who are Rangers fans dogs abuse since August when there were rumours re us and Leicester bidding £7m at the end of the window. Been telling him he's a Championship player at best and yet still the best at Ibrox by a mile - that's how sh#te they are! If we give them £10m I'll get it back ten-fold!!

Truth is he must be better than the sum of his parts because he is scoring a barrel-load of quality goals albeit against modest opposition. He looks quite cumbersome but is actually quicker than first impressions and likewise, though ungainly, his technique is sound. One thing I do like is that he seems to always instinctively know where the goal is and does like to take shots on early - before keepers get set.

The big question is still whether he's "good enough" and my honest answer is that I'm not convinced.

Been telling him he's a Championship player

The entire Scottish Premier League is at best Championship football.  If this player isn't smashing them in left, right and centre, which he hasn't been lately, then I don't see how he will be anything more than a backup at Liverpool.

The only decent players we will ever get from Scotland now is young up and coming scottish lads - not overseas players that have had to ply their trade there.

Give them a couple of million to keep them going for another couple of months.

Yep - think overall that's what I'm saying JD. He stands out a mile there (though has been bit "dis-interested" through December) but I can't see him making the difference to us.

Doing okay in a league which is like league two a big no from me.  Id have my doubts whether he cut out for the premiership at all

Feeder for youth players - Yes.
Signing ageing players for the squad - No F***ing thanks.

Looks like the Mancs' Hernandez on that video, nearly all of his goals are one-timers

Like his movement, seems to have the strikers instinct.

Not sure if he can make the step up though. There's a big difference between the Premier League and the SPL right now.

What sort of money are we talking here? surely not £10million in one go. Maybe £5million plus add ons, if he adapts. Its hard to guide how good a player really is when they come from a substandard league. Worth a shout for small money IMO

No thanks again. Just look at anthony stokes he scores bags of goals for any scottish team hes played for but couldnt cut it in england and hes only 23. We have to aim higher. One player i like in scotland is The young lad of celtic Forrest. He looks a great prospect

Yes this guy is very good, clinical and scores goals for fun.  We definately need him think bent has a big ego and could be hard to handle. He has been around and feel he could adapt easily.

his performances for the national team have been less then convincing but he is verging on prolific at club level.

Sounds like a Croatian Scott McDonald.

Sounds like a Croatian Scott McDonald.

A Croatian striker in the Australian team is called a Mark Viduka.

Nikica Jelavic: 'Of course I am flattered about Liverpool'

by Marcus Kwesi O'Mard
Thu, Jan 5, 2012 at 4:41PM   

Nikica Jelavic leads the Scottish Premier League in goals with 12 in 22 games for Glasgow Rangers. The Daily Mirror reports his standout performances have caused potential suitors to take notice, and he might leave the club in January for £10 million.

"Every day it appears a new club wants me and that's a little ridiculous," Jelavic said. "I know nothing about any offers. I just want to concentrate on Rangers. I have another two-and-a-half years left of my contract but, if the club decides to sell me, because I know that we are in a difficult financial situation, then fine."

"Of course I am flattered about Liverpool, but I do not know how much truth there is," he added. "My job is to play. Liverpool is a great name but, like I say, the question is how much are they really interested?"

The prolific Croatian joined Rangers in the summer of 2010 from Austrian club Rapid Vienna. He's bagged 33 goals in 53 appearances for the Glasgow giants and they do not want to lose a star player. But the club's financial difficulties could make it hard to keep hold of Jelavic.

Liverpool has the means to pay the reported fee, and the club could see his clinical finishing as a useful addition to its forward corps.

http://www.nesn.com/2012/01/nikica-jelavic-of-course-i-am-flattered-about-liverpool-rangers-striker-linked-with-lfc.html

Speaking of overseas players "who have had to ply their trade there" and Mark Viduka he is one who blows this argument out of water. 30 games in 37 goals for Celtic then a move to Leeds where he scored 59 goals in 130 games including a remarkable hat trick against us. In saying that Jelavic and Viduka have many similar characteristics to their game.

BBC Radio Scotland reporting before the commentary on St Mirren v Celtic that Liverpool are interested in Jelavic and in pole position.

Really like him as an intellectual finisher + Rangers won't hold out for some ridiculous fee as they will easily replace him with their next top striker.

Really like him as an intellectual finisher + Rangers won't hold out for some ridiculous fee as they will easily replace him with their next top striker.

Rangers next top fit striker is David Healy.

I'd imagine Rangers would love to hold onto Jelavic as their best player, but their financial situation would probably allow any half decent offer to be accepted.

I like Jelavic and think he would certainly be more prolific than Carroll or Kuyt but it would be another gamble, and we've taken enough of them to last a lifetime, lately.

Taking into account his last season playing for Rapid Vienna, he has been a very prolific goalscorer for the past three years.  The gamble is whether he'll translate that into the Premier League. 

Rangers next top fit striker is David Healy.

Don't knock Naismith, has a pretty good record

Did mean they will just look for another Jelavic on the cheap and get the same kind of goalscoring record of of em.

Naismith out for the season - scottish press saying Rangers are after Grant Holt as replacement.

Naismith out for the season - scottish press saying Rangers are after Grant Holt as replacement.

Norwich wont sell Holt and id doubt he would want to swap starting in the Premier league for the Scotish league, with all due respect.

Norwich wont sell Holt and id doubt he would want to swap starting in the Premier league for the Scotish league, with all due respect.

No I couldn't figure that out either - but it is widely reported.

Jelavic is a decent player. But I think he isn't quite Liverpool quality.

Deffo would score in England though.

Jelavic is a decent player. But I think he isn't quite Liverpool quality.

Deffo would score in England though.

Don't understand that. So he will score in England but won't be Liverpool quality? In my view if he scores enough, he's quality enough.

"They've not made an official bid.

"The reported amount would not be enough to meet the demands of the owner - £6m is not nearly enough."

Guessing they are holding out for about £10m. Surely with their financial situation would have to settle for less? Just hard to determine if he's just a 'SPL goalscorer' or a real one.

Don't understand that. So he will score in England but won't be Liverpool quality? In my view if he scores enough, he's quality enough.

Well there is a big difference between being able to pick up ten goals in a season in England. And leading the line for a team which ultimately looking to win titles.

Jelavic is a decent player. Because he plays in the SPL it is unfair to suggest he'd be completely sh*te and not score here. But he isn't good enough for us.

I've previously said in this thead he'd be worth a punt, he may well still be for a decent price on the off-chance he is capable of 15-20 league goals. But I'm not really interested in taking a risk on Jelavic. We should really be looking for another player of Suarez quality to play up front.

I'm happy to take a chance on younger players but for someone of Jelavic's age we shouldn't be in a position of 'taking a risk' on players anymore. We should be looking for a quality of player he isn't!

Living in Scotland and following Scottish football I'll know a bit more about him than most.

He's a good player, in the SPL. But, what is the SPL in comparison to the EPL? F**k all. Wouldn't even waste our time speculating about him. He's no where near good enough for us. Definitely not for more than £5m, so Rangers can get to F**k.

Not for me...

Not the answer for us.. Stop thinking about gambles.

I'd rather have a w*nk with sandpaper

Not for me...

Not the answer for us.. Stop thinking about gambles.

I'd rather have a w*nk with sandpaper

Don't do it mate - not what it's cracked up to be. I actually found it quite painful. And the glossing on the living room door never looked right

Don't do it mate - not what it's cracked up to be. I actually found it quite painful. And the glossing on the living room door never looked right

 

Needs service to be able to come into a game and do a job upfront, not what we need.

His Dad:

"Yes, we know about the interest of West Ham, and Queens Park Rangers. But Nikica has five or six clubs interested, including that of the great Liverpool. As for West Ham and QPR, I think that Nikica is more ambitious than that. I think it's most likely that he will sign for Liverpool. But there are still a few days until the end of the transfer window, so we will wait and see."

His Dad:

"Yes, we know about the interest of West Ham, and Queens Park Rangers. But Nikica has five or six clubs interested, including that of the great Liverpool. As for West Ham and QPR, I think that Nikica is more ambitious than that. I think it's most likely that he will sign for Liverpool. But there are still a few days until the end of the transfer window, so we will wait and see."

This lad isn't the answer and I'd be utterly surprised if we actually bring him here or are actually interested.

We shouldn't be looking at players also being looked at by West Ham or QPR. I'm not surprised he wants a move here but don't get your hopes up lad.

I remember a certain Mr Kenny Dalglish coming from Celtic. Anyway, he looks hungry, fit, and certainly knows where the net is and I for one would take him as we do need to bolster our striking options.

That was a different time. I think you know that the quality of the Scottish league is getting worse and worse by the season. Based on the UEFA ranking they're in the 15th place right now behind countries like Belgium and Denmark. And next season they'll be 18th behind Switzerland, Austria and Cyprus too. And only Celtic and Rangers are keeping them that high in the first place, the rest of the league is far worse. The 3rd placed club of that league is already 20 points behind the 2nd placed Rangers this season, confirms the dominance of those 2 clubs. You could question how hard it is to score in that league if you're the striker at one of those 2 clubs.

jelavic is NOT good enough for liverpool, defending is not an art form in scotland and its easy to score.

there are some fantastic strikers across europe and liverpool apparently have a few bob so spend some signing one.

we need an out an out striker, luiz suarez is fantastic but he isnt prolific.


re sign fernando torres for 20 million.

under dalglish and in the NEW liverpool team which is full of morale and a happy place to be i honestly think we would see a new happy confident awesome torres.

Would genuinely lose all hope in our team if we signed him. Just isn't the answer.

re sign fernando torres for 20 million.

under dalglish and in the NEW liverpool team which is full of morale and a happy place to be i honestly think we would see a new happy confident awesome torres.

  Fernando Torres isn't coming back here, it won't happen for many reasons..

I can just imagine we're on here in 2052 having just wished LFCREDS a happy 46th birthday and people are still saying

" Bring Torres back,he could still do a job at 67, get back to the form he had in 09', that Robbie Fowlers grandson is sh*te"

Forget Torres, water under the bridge, and disrespectful water at that.







But I'm just as convinced this Jelovic isn't the answer either, we're better than that.

You're right, let's buy Grant Holt instead! You never know!

This lads not great in the SPL never mind the PL ! If we were to sign him im not sure he would live up to LFC supporters high standards .

At the risk of sounding boring for the god knows how many times .NO MORE MEDIOCRITY FFS.

West Ham have put in a bid apparently

Deffo not for me, he may be top notch for teams like Rangers or mid-table prem sides, but no way is he of the standard of LFC, i would cut my losses with the big fella, sell for about £15m,put £10m onto it and go get Tevez from Shitty,

he'd feel at home with, Maxi,Suarez and Coates in the same squad and almost guaranteed first team footie every week, might cost us a few bob in wages but regain on shirt sales, CL football and we'd be well on track back to the glory days,  hope DC reads this 

Deffo not for me, he may be top notch for teams like Rangers or mid-table prem sides, but no way is he of the standard of LFC, i would cut my losses with the big fella, sell for about £15m,put £10m onto it and go get Tevez from Shitty,

he'd feel at home with, Maxi,Suarez and Coates in the same squad and almost guaranteed first team footie every week, might cost us a few bob in wages but regain on shirt sales, CL football and we'd be well on track back to the glory days,  hope DC reads this 

Who ll buy our big man for 15m?

^^^^^

Small people who've lost stuff on top wardrobe?

Who ll buy our big man for 15m?

Spuds,Qpr,Toon,Makems,..............................................Everton, 

Jelavic will be a Red as rumour has it he's been "tapped-up" by us. Hopefully he'll be tapped-down....

Jelavic will be a Red as rumour has it he's been "tapped-up" by us. Hopefully he'll be tapped-down....

Bollocks, he's off to the Blueshite, hasn't been tapped up at all because we're not buying anyone!

Everton can have him. I don't think we should be taking risks on players like him anymore.

I reckon, if he signs, he'll score five goals by May. He'll be one of those midtable team strikers that puts in a shift and never scores too many.

He could of course be prolific, knowing my luck.

If he is willing to sign for Everton it shows how much ambition he has got.

Just about the right level of ambition as far as I'm concerned Billy - not good enough for us. They're welcome to him that's his level

Rumours going round Kenwright's been phoning ITV up to try and get Betty Turpin's funeral brought forward to boost the transfer fund. Alas to no avail.

Fee agreed w/Blueshite. Locked.