West Ham closing in on SPL striker
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has revealed that they have enquired about the availability of on-form Rangers forward Nikica Jelavic.
It was revealed earlier this week that the Championship club had contacted Rangers as Allardyce remains eager to improve his options in attack.
Jelavic has emerged as West Ham’s top target following their unsuccessful attempt to sign Huddersfield Town’s Jordan Rhodes.
“We have enquired in terms of his availability as far as I am concerned, but in terms of a bid that’s not my department,” said Allardyce after Saturday’s 2-1 home win over Nottingham Forest.
West Ham’s Championship rivals Leicester City failed with a bid for Jelavic last summer, whilst Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers have also emerged as contenders for his services during this transfer window.
Rangers manager Ally McCoist is reluctant to let the Croatian leave the club, as he is desperate to catch Old Firm rivals Celtic in the race for the SPL title.
McCoist admitted on Friday that reports were true as West Ham prepare a £6million bid for Jelavic, however this does not meet their valuation of the player.
Ally McCoist revealed that he had spoken to West Ham’s co-owner David Sullivan, “I spoke to Craig today and I believe Craig had a conversation with David Sullivan,” said McCoist.
“But Craig was very keen to point out that absolutely no offers had been made at all. I think it was just a pretty informal chat they had.”
On speculation linking the player with other clubs south of the border, he added: “That’s news to me, I’ve certainly not been told. The only team where there has been an indication of interest is West Ham.”
