Jelavic: Did he demand move?

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Rangers hit back at Jelavic claim

Rangers have dismissed as “nonsense” and “ridiculous” Nikica Jelavic’s claim that he did not force his deadline-day transfer from the club to Everton.

The champions say that by publicly declaring his desire to test himself in the English Premier League, and reiterating the same during his meeting with manager Ally McCoist on Monday, Jelavic effectively demanded a move.

Rangers’ chief operations officer Ali Russell said: “Nikica told Ally McCoist personally on Monday he wanted to move to the English Premier League so to suggest he didn’t want to leave Rangers is nonsense.

“Nikica, and indeed his family, were widely quoted throughout January about playing in England and his agent also communicated the fact he wanted to achieve a lifetime ambition and test himself in the Premier League.

“He wants to earn a starting place for Croatia at Euro 2012 and felt a move to England’s top flight would help him achieve that.

“Nikica was a terrific player for Rangers and we wish him well at Everton but to suggest he was forced to leave Ibrox is just ridiculous.”

Chairman Craig Whyte told fans that he sanctioned the Croatia international’s sale because the striker wanted to leave Scotland.

However, during his unveiling, Jelavic, while admitting that he harboured Premier League ambitions, denied that he forced his transfer.

He said: “My dream was to play in the English Premier League but I never forced my transfer.

“I spoke with Ally McCoist and said if the president wants me to stay I’ll stay and if they need money and want me to leave, I’ll leave - the club decided.”