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

Rangers 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.

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Thumbnail photo via Flickr/Jim Easton