Tuesday 31 January 2012

Nikica Jelavic Joins Toffees


Everton have signed Croatian international striker Nikica Jelavic from Rangers for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old joins the Blues on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

Jelavic, who moved to the Gers from Rapid Vienna in August 2010, has scored 17 goals in all competitions so far this season.

He becomes David Moyes' third signing of the January transfer window, following deals for Landon Donovan and Darron Gibson.

Everton this week sold Diniyar Bilyaletdinov to Spartak Moscow for £5m.

Jelavic received a warm reception after being introduced to Blues supporters at half time in Tuesday's Premier League game with Manchester City at Goodison Park.

He will be available to make his first appearance in Saturday's trip to Wigan.

Scottish champions Rangers are currently experiencing financial problems and Rangers manager Ally McCoist admitted on Saturday: "Nikica, if he went, would be a big loss.

"He's a fantastic player and he has been a great talent here. But, as you saw, we scored some really good goals. Nikica also didn't play against Motherwell and equally we did very well. That's just two examples.

"I'd also like to tell you I wouldn't like to lose him. Of course I wouldn't, because he's a good player. But I understand the economics of our club and I understand the economics of football. Sometimes they dictate and determine what happens."

Moyes was initially interested in Jelavic when he moved to Ibrox from Rapid Vienna for £4m in August 2010.