McCoist preparing for Jelavic's departure
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.
CLICK HERE for Joe Ledley’s twitter agony
CLICK HERE for Fraser Forster we deserved to win
Follow Video Celts on Twitter, Facebook