Jelavic interest hots up

Skysports.com understands a host of Premier League clubs are ready to test Rangers' resolve to hang onto Nikica Jelavic next month.

January bids expected for star striker

Skysports.com understands a host of Premier League clubs are ready to test Rangers' resolve to hang onto Nikica Jelavic when the transfer window reopens. The Croatian striker has a number of admirers in England after impressing at Ibrox since arriving from Rapid Vienna last summer. Agent Simon Conning has a mandate for any move for Jelavic in January and he is thought to have been contacted by several sides about a deal for the Croatian international. Jelavic could be tempted to make the move to the Premier League if his suitors come calling knowing playing in England's top flight will boost his chances of breaking into the Croatia starting XI for next summer's Euro 2012 finals. The 26-year-old netted 19 goals in his debut season despite a four-month spell on the sidelines through injury and he has carried on that fine form this term with 14 goals so far. Leicester and Turkish giants Fenerbahce are both understood to have had bids rejected for Jelavic on transfer deadline day in August, while the likes of Liverpool and West Brom have been credited with an interest in the talented hit-man. Rangers are reluctant to lose their star striker, but they know they would find it hard to resist a big-money offer for Jelavic due to their ongoing financial problems.