Rangers boss Ally McCoist is bracing himself for the departure of Nikita Jelavic.
With the outcome of the clubs’ appeal against a £49m plus tax bill unlikely to be confirmed until after the January tax window has closed Jelavic is their most sellable asset.
Sunderland and Everton have been credited with an interest in the £4m striker with McCoist resigning himself to the departure of his top scorer.
“I’d rather Jelavic stayed here,” the Rangers boss told The Sun. “The speculation’s affected him, but he keeps doing the business.
“I was really pleased with him last week against Hibs. I hope he can continue that form against Caley. He’s vital.”
The tone of McCoist’s comments are in contrast to the upbeat message he delivered a month ago.
With Rangers enjoying a 12 point advantage over Celtic McCoist was bullish as he looked ahead to the January transfer window.
“Craig (Whyte) certainly hasn’t said we have to sell anyone and we’re certainly talking about bringing one or two in,” the Rangers boss claimed in November.
“We have to plan for the future as if it’s going to be positive. That’s not saying that we don’t prepare for other scenarios but Craig is very upbeat. He’s very much- as I am- half full, rather than half empty.
“Look, if somebody made an offer you can’t refuse, we’re no different from any other club. That’s where we are, where everybody is. If it’s a very good offer you have to think about it, of course you do.
“We sat for three hours on Thursday, Craig and I. Without divulging too much about the meeting, it was very much about a cross section of topics.
“We speak on the phone, if not every day then certainly every other day. It’s difficult for me to say what kind of relationship I have because it’s the first relationship I’ve had with an owner and a chairman but certainly it’s one I have absolutely no complaints about.”
Aston Villa have been linked with a £2m move for their former midfielder Steve Davis.
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Whatever happens or doesn’t happen at Piebox should not matter to those in power at Celtic Park. WE have to get our own house in order, clearly we have players who are surplus to requirements or we could get better.
Moves should be in place to brings in those needed and shunt the ones we don’t need / want out ASAP.
I’m quite certain any Celtic supporter could easily rattle of 8-10 names that they would be more than comfortable with putting sold.
Well said willie for far to long now the Celtic board have watched what’s going on at Ipox.
Let’s build a winning team irrespective of what they do, hopefully they,ll go tits up soon, but we can’t depend on that.
Joe I have to protest at your £4 million valuation of Jelly….
according to the Scottish Press he is worth possibly £10 million ..at least….and they never lie.
So let’s not be leaving ourselves open to criticism here…Keech Jackson will have a field day.
PS: Not that I want them to get any money….but the sooner he goes the better….
The EPL teams will not pay way over the odds, they will get 7 mil if they are VERY lucky. The EPL clubs have wised up to the scottish Media talking up Rangers players to inflate their prices, they did it with Hutton and Boumsong. Then failed when they tried it recently with Bougherra because it is common knowledge now.
I couldnt give a monkeys whether jeelylegs stays or goes. We’ll still win the league.
C’MON YOU BHOYS IN GREEN!!