Report: Liverpool Is in ‘Pole Position’ to Sign Nikica Jelavic, Fulham and West Ham Also Interested

by

Jan 21, 2012

Report: Liverpool Is in 'Pole Position' to Sign Nikica Jelavic, Fulham and West Ham Also InterestedRangers striker Nikica Jelavic is the subject of a three-way tug-of-war for his signature. Fulham, West Ham and Liverpool FC all want to sign the high-scoring Croatian in January, but the Reds are in "pole position" to do so, according to the BBC.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist confirmed that a number of clubs were interested in the Scottish Premier League's leading scorer, but none of the trio have bid for Jelavic. The Rangers boss also denied Jelavic would leave Glasgow at a discount.

"The reported amount would not be enough to meet the demands of the owner — £6 million is not nearly enough," McCoist said.

Rangers rejected offers of £6.5 ($10.1) million and £9 million ($14 million) for the player during last summer's transfer window. Early reports about a potential January move put his value around £10 million ($15.5 million).

Jelavic has scored 14 goals in 22 league games this season. He has another two and a half years on his contract, so any team looking to buy him at a steep discount will be disappointed.

But Rangers' financial difficulties could see the Glasgow giants lose their top scorer for less than his full value. If LFC meets Rangers' asking price and snaps up Jelavic in January, it could be a transfer coup. The 26-year-old marksman will likely represent his country at this summer's European Championships, and his value will skyrocket with each goal.

Have a question for Marcus Kwesi O'Mard? Send it to him via Twitter at @NESNsoccer or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.

Thumbnail photo via Flickr/Jim Easton

Previous Article

Report: Red Sox Expected to Make ‘Aggressive Bid’ for Roy Oswalt

Next Article

Report: Joe Paterno ‘Near Death’ Following Health Complications

Picked For You